Québec solidaire (QS) will choose the official successor of Émilise Lessard-Therrien “by the fall”. In the meantime, it is the member for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie, who will act as interim during a period that she describes as “crucial” for her party.
Three days after M’s departureme Lessard-Therrien as female co-spokesperson, QS management has therefore set its sights on Mme Labrie on Thursday for her to occupy this position by the next internal election. By accepting this role, the elected representative withdraws from any participation in a possible race.
“This decision aims to guarantee a fair and open process for all our members aspiring to this responsibility. The terms and timetable for the race for the position of female spokesperson will be determined soon,” the political party indicated in a press release issued during the afternoon.
Speaking to the media for the first time as acting female spokesperson, Ms.me Labrie confirmed that she will not play this role for long. The race to replace Émilise Lessard-Therrien “will take place between now and the fall,” she said. “The wish we have, as an organization, is to replace Émilise […] fast enough. »
Christine Labrie, who is in her second term as an MP, served as the party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly before the 2022 general elections. She then finished third in the race to replace Manon Massé last year. Mme Lessard-Therrien and MP Ruba Ghazal then beat her after a close vote.
The Estrienne elected official does not wish to participate in another race, hence her decision to accept the interim position. “Among the things I highlighted during the race in the last year, several […] are found in particular in the National Council’s proposal book [de mai]. I felt that my ideas had already started to make headway within the party. Besides, it was difficult this race [l’automne dernier] “, did she say.
Officially lasting three months, this race was in fact spread over five months, starting from the last National Council of Manon Massé as spokesperson.
“Period of upheaval”
Québec solidaire found itself without a female co-spokesperson since Émilise Lessard-Therrien slammed the door on Monday, citing centralization issues around Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.
Thursday, Mme Labrie agreed that the party was going through a “period of upheaval.” Its mandate will therefore consist of emerging with “good results”. “There are very serious questions that arise following the circumstances of Emilise’s departure. We want to take adequate assessments, we want to make the necessary changes,” she said, while promising to consult the members during this “crucial” interim period.
“I feel that Québec solidaire is at a turning point in its history, and that our ability to get through this critical period will be decisive for the future. I want to participate in ensuring that we achieve the solidarity project,” she added in the press release released by her party.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois confirmed on Wednesday that he wanted to stay in office, while calling on solidarity activists to make QS a “government party”.
Thursday, on the social networkme Labrie at his side. “Christine represents the best in Quebec politics. She is very well equipped to face the challenges our party is facing at the moment. This is excellent news for Québec solidaire… and for Quebec! » he wrote.
The interim solidarity co-spokesperson will not benefit from “any financial supplement” during her short mandate. “The National Assembly pays me a deputy’s salary. It also pays to compensate for my travel to Quebec. Then if I have to travel elsewhere, they are at my expense,” she said.