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Sonja Puzic, CTVNews.ca Published Monday, April 7, 2014 6:36AM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, April 8, 2014 8:28AM EDT

Philippe Couillards Liberals have won the Quebec election with a majority government, crushing the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois and Premier Pauline Marois.

Liberal candidates won in 70 of the province's ridings, the Parti Quebecois won 30, the Coalition Avenir Quebec took 22 and Quebec Solidaire picked up three. The PQ got about 25 per cent of the popular vote, its lowest share since 1970.

In a stunning turn of events, Marois lost her own seat in Charlevoix-Cote-de-Beaupre to Liberal Caroline Simard.

Couillard, who was a neurosurgeon before he entered politics, easily won his riding of Roberval, defeating PQ incumbent Denis Trottier.

Taking the stage at Liberal headquarters after most of the ballots had been counted, Couillard vowed to run an inclusive and stable government that represents the interests of all Quebecers.

Our language, our flag belongs to all Quebecers, he said.

Addressing the provinces anglophones in English, Couillard said: We are all Quebecers. We should all focus on what brings us together. What unites us makes us stronger.

He later added in French: Division is over; reconciliation has arrived.

In her concession speech, Marois announced she will step down as PQ leader and ensure an orderly transition.

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Liberals win Quebec election, will form majority government