Political Leaders Presd to Engage in English Electoral Dialogue

(Québec) While their political positions may seem divergent, the important gathering of English-speaking organizations in Quebec, TALQ, has garnered support from the Mouvement national des Québécoises et Québécois (MNQ) since early summer. Their aim is to persuade the leaders of the five main political parties to participate in an electoral meeting conducted in English.

Initially, it is clear that there will not be a televised debate in English, as was the case during the 2018 election campaign. Last spring, both the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) and the Parti québécois (PQ) declined an invitation from a consortium of English-language media on this matter. The MNQ expressed satisfaction with this decision, noting that French is the official and common language of Quebec.

In light of the impasse, TALQ’s executive director, formerly known as the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), has committed to finding a « way forward. » Would the leaders agree to participate in a panel discussion? A breakfast meeting? A town hall or public meeting?

« We have come to terms with the fact that a debate is not the best way for them to communicate with us. Fine. Let’s find another way. We are still seeking firm commitments. Let’s agree on something; time is of the essence! » she implores.

Time Running Out

Despite numerous calls and efforts to engage the five main political parties, TALQ has yet to receive confirmation that such an event organized by and for English speakers will take place during the electoral campaign.

Ms. Martin-Laforge senses urgency: the engines of electoral campaign buses could start rolling as early as August 27.

Frédéric Lapointe, president of the MNQ, believes that political leaders must seize the opportunity presented by TALQ, especially now that an official English-language debate is off the table.

Without divulging confidential details, Mr. Lapointe confirmed that discussions have taken place with political parties regarding an English-language electoral meeting. « We believe that political parties, particularly the CAQ and the PQ, should respond positively to this call. We must seize these important and structural opportunities, » he stated.

« It also signals to the rest of the population your attitude as a leader. Are you showing openness, or are you indifferent and closed off? I think this is an excellent moment to extend a hand and ease tensions, » Mr. Lapointe added.

Extended Hands

Mr. Lapointe is optimistic that Quebec will soon experience a third referendum on sovereignty, as promised by the PQ, which is currently leading in the polls. This factor must also be considered, he argues.

« It will be tense in various ways beyond just a leader’s debate. I believe we should seize every extended hand to ease tensions, » he stated.

« We have the opportunity in Quebec to engage in politics on significant, occasionally geopolitical matters, and to do so in the greatest peace imaginable. It is important that this continues and that even small gestures, such as agreeing to participate in an electoral discussion, contribute to our collective effort, » he added.

On the TALQ side, Ms. Martin-Laforge has noted the open letter from the PQ leader directed at English-speaking Quebecers, published this week in the National Post.

In his text, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated that the rights of the « historical » English-speaking community would be protected in a sovereign Quebec. The independence leader also reached out to English speakers, asserting that their interests do not diverge from those of the Francophone majority.

Not « Folkloric »

However, for Ms. Martin-Laforge, publishing a letter in a Toronto-based newspaper « does not constitute engaging with us » in the context of an electoral campaign in Quebec.

« And we are not historical! We are dynamic, modern, and growing. We are not a folkloric group, » she emphasized.

« We are still spoken of as if English-speaking Quebecers are an historical community living on the margins of Quebec society. Talk to us as full Quebecers. We do not see Quebec as two solitudes. We are one Quebec, » she pleaded in her final attempt to convince party leaders to meet with the English-speaking Quebec community.

Source: La Presse