With support for Quebec's provincial Liberals falling, Parti Québécois Leader André Boisclair has told Radio-Canada that he's ready to become Canada's first openly gay premier.

"I think I can contribute to changing the mentality," he said in French during an interview Tuesday morning. "All the better if people hear about my story and recognize themselves in it."

Boisclair refused to do an interview with the English side of CBC News on the issues of his homosexuality and his admissions that he has used cocaine, but he told the broadcaster's French service that he believes Quebecers in search of an honest leader will appreciate his candour.

"Quebecers are looking for sincerity," he said.

In a CROP poll released Thursday, only 32 per cent of decided Quebecers who were surveyed said they plan to vote for Jean Charest's Liberals in the next provincial election. Support for the PQ stood at 37 per cent once the undecided vote was factored in.

The survey was carried out between Aug. 17 and Aug. 28. It's considered accurate within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The results suggest that Boisclair, who recently took a seat at the National Assembly after winning a by-election, could be the next premier of Quebec.

"The chances are good," the 40-year-old politician told Radio-Canada, "but I have to earn the confidence of people."

He told Radio Canada he's had a lot of support and hopes he can help change the attitude toward gay politicians.

Charest's Liberals came to power after the provincial election on April 14, 2003. An election is expected sometime in 2007.

Boisclair was elected leader of the Parti Québécois in November 2005, after former leader Bernard Landry stepped down.

At his first caucus meeting after becoming leader, Boisclair promised to push for a new referendum on Quebec sovereignty during his first term if elected premier.