The author of a book that Prime Minister François Legault praised in a Facebook post did not appreciate the compliment and did not hesitate to react to denounce the housing crisis raging in Montreal and government policies provincial.
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In his publication, made Saturday morning, Mr. Legault praises the book by Quebecer Kevin Lambert May our joy remain.
“A well-researched novel on architecture. Long breathless sentences. A 30-year-old author with a lot of talent,” he wrote.
Screenshot taken from Twitter (@FrancisPilon_)
In the absence of thanks, the author has instead used the comments to criticize the government and revive the debate around the housing crisis.
“Mr. Legault, in the midst of a housing crisis, while your government is working to undermine the last ramparts that protect us from extreme gentrification in Montreal, putting my book forward is pathetic, ”he castigated.
Screenshot taken from Twitter (@FrancisPilon_)
“You have to read with your eyes closed not to see how the portrait of the city that is portrayed in the novel goes against the destructive, anti-poor, anti-immigrant, pro-landlord and pro-rich policies of your government. .”
What Mr. Legault added: “The housing crisis is raging everywhere in the big cities of the world. We can differ on the solutions. […] But I respect your opinion,” added François Legault.
Screenshot taken from Twitter (@FrancisPilon_)
If the author has conceded the universality of the housing crisis, he criticizes the absence of a “healthy distance” between the market and housing.
“Housing should not [répondre] to the law of supply and demand like the consumer goods market. If there are fewer homes on the market, the homes should not go up in price for that reason,” he replied.
“The government must assume its responsibilities, help the poorest, yes, provide more social housing, yes. But also limit real estate speculation, international investment […]. And above all, listen to the organizations concerned, the intellectuals and the specialists who are on the front lines of the current crisis”, finally retorted Mr. Lambert, who does not seem to have been flattered by the Prime Minister’s compliment.