(Quebec) André Fortin resigns from the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec. The MP for Pontiac said he made this decision so as not to harm his family life.
“André Fortin will not be among the ranks of the Liberal Party leadership race,” said Mr. Fortin in an interview with 104.7 Outaouais.
The elected official had already given up trying to replace Philippe Couillard when the former prime minister left politics following his electoral defeat in 2018.
“I wanted to help my party as much as possible, but without depriving myself of being the kind of father I want to be. I made the decision at that time not to be a chef and frankly, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Four years later, the conclusion still stands,” he said.
There will be a race, according to Fortin
“Yes, I want to help my party as best I can, but not if it stops me from being the kind of father I want to be for my daughters,” he said.
Despite his withdrawal, Mr. Fortin said he was convinced that this time there would indeed be a race for the leadership of the party, and a debate of ideas. He believes that the PLQ “must be put back on a clear ideological basis”. “It’s increasingly clear in my head that there’s going to be a real race for the PLQ. That there will be candidates who will present themselves, that there will be a debate of ideas, ”he said.
Dominique Anglade, who resigned last fall, was crowned leader of the Liberal Party following the withdrawal of the only other candidate, Alexandre Cusson.