There is a novelty in the Cabinet which, it seems to me, has not received the attention it deserves, and it is that of Chantal Rouleau as Minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action.
Never, in the course of our struggles over recognition, had we imagined one day finding ourselves with a “minister” whose community action would be mentioned in the title. It’s a first. A first passed over in silence.
The thing is understandable. This nomination has more the appearance of a consolation prize. Indeed, M.me Rouleau, as Minister for Transport and Minister responsible for the Montreal region and the metropolis, did not make a big impression. But she is one of the few elected officials of the metropolis, consequently she had to remain minister and Mr. Legault had to offer her a consolation prize. This is how what could be presented as a major advance in recognition becomes a small thing of no importance.
However, there are vast sites to be opened and broken pots to be repaired. For example, we must continue to promote the government’s community action policy, listen to the criticisms of this new plan, which should reflect it accordingly. Or, for example, accelerate the financial catch-up of rights defense groups, defend the autonomy of organizations or even transform the plan to fight poverty into a plan to fight social inequality.
There would be so much to do as Minister of Social Solidarity and Community Action. So I wish that Mme Rouleau takes on these challenges with determination and enthusiasm. Finally, I remind him that there are hundreds of people who found themselves in spite of themselves in the community and who came out of it stronger.
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