The MNA for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie, is launching the race to become the next co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire (QS). The politician wants to succeed Manon Massé to bring Quebecers together around a “common project”.
The MP made the announcement at a press conference in Sherbrooke on Monday morning.
The current spokesperson for QS in terms of social services and mental health wants to put forward “the social project of Québec solidaire”.
“The voice I want to bring to politics is that of unity. I want us to take the time to listen to each other, to come together around a common project,” she said in an interview.
MNAs in solidarity with Taschereau, Étienne Grandmont, and Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, were present at the announcement to lend their support to Ms.me Labrie.
Christine Labrie says she perceives a divided society in the province. “What I’m noticing right now in Quebec is that there are a lot of social fractures, a lot of people who don’t feel listened to, who feel sidelined,” she says, adding that she wishes “that we make sure to weave our social net well so that no one escapes”.
From children to seniors
The MP, who was QS spokesperson for education from March 2019 to August 2022, intends to put this issue at the heart of her priorities, if she is elected co-spokesperson.
“I carried this case for several years. This is the heart of my political commitment, she said. A society that promotes equal opportunities starts with education. »
Christine Labrie is also QS spokesperson for seniors. She wishes to highlight her “concern for inclusion” which “crosses all generations”, focusing on issues that affect the elderly. She believes that this is a segment of the population that is often sidelined.
“The wish of many seniors is to continue to live, to age, in their community. Where they grew up, where they lived their lives, where they are involved, ”she illustrates. This desire is difficult to achieve due to the lack of home care as well as transport and suitable housing for seniors, according to Ms.me Labrie.
“Often they find themselves uprooted from their community, in tower blocks with almost only elders. This is not necessarily their primary aspiration,” she continues.
Christine Labrie says she is inspired by Manon Massé, who announced last month that she was leaving her post as co-spokesperson for QS. Mme However, Massé retained her position as MNA for Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques.
“Manon was able to remain very authentic, despite the attempts of many to fit her into a mold or to keep her away from politics. And that, I find that very inspiring, ”said Mme Labrie.
Three confirmed candidates
The new QS co-spokesperson will be elected at the party’s national convention next November. The other co-spokesperson for the party is the deputy for Gouin, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.
Last week, the former member for the riding of Rouyn-Noranda–Témiscamingue, Émilise Lessard-Therrien, confirmed that she is running for this position.
A few weeks ago, the member for Mercier, Ruba Ghazal, also announced that she was entering the race.
Christine Labrie was a lecturer in history at the Université de Sherbrooke and a doctoral student in women’s studies at the University of Ottawa when she was elected as an MP in 2018. The mother of three also holds a master’s degree in history. .
Mme Labrie was elected for a second term in 2022. The MNA has also been Vice-Chair of the Committee on Public Administration since December 6, 2022.
She participated in the study of 11 bills, and tabled a bill aimed at combating sexual violence in schools in 2021, can we read on the QS website. She was also the party’s parliamentary leader from August 2021 to August 2022.
This dispatch was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta Exchange and The Canadian Press for the news.