Since the beginning of Freedom Convoy, I have been unwell. In fact, I have more of a little inner discontent when I look at the “representatives” of our beautiful Côte-Nord.
For those who don’t know the Côte-Nord very well, Rambo Gauthier, this man who speaks loudly, who speaks with “câlisse” and “tabarnak” at the end of each sentence, this man becomes the reference. However, the Côte-Nord is not just that.
Côte-Nord is Gilles Vigneault, Louis-Jean Cormier, Florent Vollant, Michèle Audette, Côte-Nord is Mario, Stéphanie, Julie, André, health professionals who have been working for two years to ensure quality care in our hospitals. They are Nancy, Myriam, Dave, Noémie, teachers who have had to adapt several times and who have learned to teach from a distance. These are Gilles, Alexandra, Josianne, restaurateurs who had to close everything, but who still have the heart big enough to donate their food to the most deprived. They are France, Denis, Alexandre, merchants who have had to adapt again and again to different measures, while trying to keep their employees, these same employees who have become, over time, friends, almost family , and that means so much to them that they try to find every possible way to keep them. The Côte-Nord is also home to Sylvain, Alice, David, Mathieu, construction and mining workers who work hard to support their families with dignity. Côte-Nord is made up of Sylvie, Brigitte, Gilles, these endearing and welcoming people who received an incredible number of tourists this summer, all with a smile and good humor.
The Côte-Nord is green immensity as far as the eye can see, it’s sea air and the wind that blows constantly, in summer and winter alike. It’s only five minutes from the sea as the crow flies. These are all these outdoor sports that we like to practice.
All these North Coasters who believe in dialogue, in being able to change things through our words and above all by respecting the opinions of others. Kind-hearted people who are attached to their beautiful corner of the country, who talk about it with love to the people they meet. The Côte-Nord is all that.
So, to the people of the four corners of Quebec, when you hear the name Nord-Côtier, think of all its people of heart whom I have just told you about and who are like you, like you, like me.