Quebecers will likely head back to the polls this fall.

The CBC's French-language television news service RDI is reporting several highly placed government sources have confirmed Quebec Premier Jean Charest will call a provincial election next week, once the U.S. election is over.

Several sources told the network an election announcement will follow a cabinet meeting next week.

It would likely mean a Dec. 8 election in Quebec, less than two years under its first minority government in a century. Charest's office has not confirmed the report.

Charest and his Liberals have been riding high in the polls since the federal election on Oct. 14.

The premier was scheduled to travel to China on Friday on an economic mission but sources suggest he will send a pair of ministers in his place.

On Thursday, Quebec Finance Minister Monique Jérome-Forget is to table an economic update, which is expected to fall short of a mini-budget but provide a clear outline of the Liberals' plan to weather the economic crisis.

Both official opposition parties have been on high election alert for weeks. During their respective council meetings this weekend, the Action Démocratique du Québec and Parti Québécois said it's not the right time for elections but they're ready if it happens.

ADQ Leader Mario Dumont said the Official Opposition is more ready than ever to face voters at the polls.

PQ Leader Pauline Marois said she's also ready to campaign, although she called an early election "irresponsible."

Quebec's last election was in March 2007, when the Liberals were reduced to a minority government. The Liberals hold 48 seats, against the ADQ's 39 and the PQ's 36 seats. Two seats are vacant.