Parti Québécois leadership race officially underway

It may seem like it's already been going on for months, but the race to replace Pierre Karl Péladeau as head of the Parti Québécois only officially began on Monday. 

Party president Raymond Archambault formally announced the start of the campaign at a news conference in Montreal.

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Archaumbault said he's confident the race will generate more interest when the National Assembly opens its fall session in mid-August.

"Whenever there is a leadership contest, there is a renewed interest in the political party," Archambault said.

Five candidates are vying for the PQ's top job. They are: 

• Alexandre Cloutier.
• Martine Ouellet.
• Véronique Hivon.
• Jean-François Lisée.
• Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon.

A debate is planned for Sept. 11 in Sherbrooke, with another in Montreal two weeks later.

To be eligible, candidates were required to collect 1,500 signatures supporting their candidacy and $10,000. Another $10,000 is due at the end of August.

The PQ will select its new leader on Oct. 7.

Archambault said the candidates share a common objective but each has his or her own distinct positions.