I have a question that bothers me, and I would like to ask it to you in public.
Last week, during the first holiday dinner where we were talking about the strike, a friend was very upset. He asserted that your goal, and that of your government, was to dismantle the entire public system. I have it of course reasoned, telling him that it was impossible, that you probably misjudged the situation, but that your goal, in the long term, was certainly to preserve the public system, but let’s see, the public education and health system is the basis of Quebec society.
The next day, I see a publication on a social network showing a huge game of dominoes, with the title: Destroy public services, instructions for use. Afterwards, we name the stages: “reducing the budgets of public services, elimination of positions in the services because the budgets have been reduced, complaining about the drop in quality and efficiency…”, etc. Yes N. The image seems to me to be a mirror of what has been happening in Quebec for some time.
I also had a few discussions with teacher friends. And friends who have children in elementary school. I perceived in all these people a discouragement, but above all a deep sadness at what is unfolding live before our eyes. Not to mention all those times, over the past year or two, where loved ones have told me, almost in a whisper, that they have chosen to have this or that medical test done privately, because otherwise the wait is endless. And they’re not rich people, really not. Or from my doctor who said to me, commenting on certain difficulties in taking exams: What do you want, the system is breaking down everywhere! And I wanted to ask you a question, Mr. Legault.
Do you believe in public school? To the public health system? I imagine your children went to private school (but maybe I’m wrong), but around you, are there people who make the choice, even if they can afford it? go private, to send their children to public school because it is part of the foundations of a just and egalitarian society? Where all children have the same opportunities?
If you don’t believe it, that’s your choice, but I’d like to know. You can respond to me by email at the newspaper or on social media, whatever you want, but I really, really would like you to take the time to respond to me. This would be my Christmas present for this year.
I wish you happy holidays where you can talk about something other than negotiations and strikes, because all this will be resolved.