It was written in the sky that Jean-François Roberge was going to lose his post as Minister of Education.
François Legault advocated stability in key positions such as Finance, Economy, Health and the Treasury Board, but for Education, the Prime Minister bet on novelty.
Thus, Bernard Drainville finds himself faced with this great challenge, but Jean-François Roberge is not left out with no less than five responsibilities: French language, Canadian relations and Canadian Francophonie, democratic institutions, access to information and privacy and secularism.
With all these files, Mr. Roberge will need a double-sided business card.
Nationalist
Of all Mr. Roberge’s files, it is that of Canadian relations that will take up most of his time.
The appointment of the former Minister of Education for relations between Quebec and Ottawa means that it is now a nationalist who will take care of Canadian diplomacy.
Before the campaign, Sonia LeBel was responsible for this file. The minister from Mauricie is seen as being on the side of the federalists.
Despite this change of file holder, it is to bet that the reign of Mr. Roberge will be placed under the sign of continuity.
Defensive
Because currently, we do not feel that the CAQ government will propose other identity-based bills.
During his first term, François Legault went on the offensive by proposing laws 21 (secularism) and 96 (French language).
Although it is asking for more power in immigration, the Coalition Avenir Québec will go into defensive mode. The legal challenges to Bills 21 and 96 will occupy the time of Minister Roberge and his colleagues.
Mr. Roberge may no longer be responsible for Mr. Legault’s priority of priorities (education), but he cannot afford to rest on his laurels.
Because Mr. Legault’s legacy also depends on the gains that Quebec will make against Ottawa.