The interim leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec, Marc Tanguay, apologized to MP Marie-Claude Nichols, but was unable to find parliamentary responsibilities for her.
• Read also: The bickering continues at the PLQ: The agreement reached with MP Nichols turns sour
He tried to split the position of third vice-president of the National Assembly in two between Ms. Nichols and deputy Frantz Benjamin, but the members of the PLQ refused.
Mr. Tanguay tried to appease the MP for Vaudreuil on Monday by offering to share the duties of third vice-president. Ms. Nichols would thus have spent two years in this position, while the other two years would have been assumed by Mr. Benjamin.
“However, after consultation with caucus members and activists working in party authorities, it appears that such an option is not viable and would not promote the cohesion of the Liberal team,” said Marc Tanguay in evening.
Frantz Benjamin will therefore indeed be the third vice-president of the National Assembly for the next four years.
Recall that the member was expelled from caucus by the former leader of the PLQ, Dominique Anglade, who wanted to entrust other responsibilities than that of third vice-president to Marie-Claude Nichols. The backlash caused by this expulsion eventually led Ms. Anglade to resign.
The new leader has, despite everything, been open to reintegrating Ms. Nichols into the caucus.
Here is the full statement from the Leader of the Official Opposition and MNA for LaFontaine, Marc Tanguay.
“Since my appointment as leader, I have taken to heart the return of the MP for Vaudreuil, Marie-Claude Nichols, to the Liberal caucus. As I had promised, I met her in person yesterday to explore all options to allow her reintegration into the team. First, I expressed a sincere apology to him on behalf of the Liberal caucus.
On this occasion, I notably explored the possibility of splitting the position of Third Vice-President of the National Assembly over time, so that it would be occupied for two years by the Member for Viau, Frantz Benjamin, and for two years later, by the member for Vaudreuil.
However, after consultation with members of the caucus and activists working in party authorities, it appears that such an option is not viable and would not promote the cohesion of the Liberal team.
I had to explore all the options to allow the MNA for Vaudreuil to return to caucus.
However, the cohesion of the team being a priority, this avenue cannot be the solution.
Therefore, I reiterate to Marie-Claude Nichols that the door of the Liberal caucus remains open and that I am ready to discuss with her the parliamentary and spokesperson responsibilities that will allow her return.
Concerning the third vice-presidency of the National Assembly, my decision has been made, and the position will be occupied by the member for Viau, Frantz Benjamin, over the next four years.
It is high time that the Liberal caucus now devotes itself to the task of preparing for the imminent return to Parliament and defending the interests of all Quebecers.”