(Quebec) The MP for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie, will assume the role of interim female co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire (QS) replacing Émilise Lessard-Therrien, who caused a surprise on Monday by resigning from her position.
During the last race for co-spokesperson, Mme Labrie was eliminated in the first round by collecting only 28.4% of the votes, behind her colleague Ruba Ghazal from the Mercier riding and the former member for Rouyn-Noranda–Témiscamingue, Mme Lessard-Therrien. The latter finally won the election by obtaining three votes more than her rival from Montreal during the second round.
Mme Labrie was appointed to become interim co-spokesperson by the national coordinating committee (CCN), the equivalent of the party’s board of directors. She will give a press scrum on Thursday afternoon in parliament.
“Ms. Labrie will not have the opportunity to present herself as a candidate in the next election for the female spokesperson. 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,” QS said in a press release.
In the morning, Mme Labrie affirmed during a press scrum that she fully recognized herself in the priorities established Wednesday by the parliamentary leader, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois. The latter affirmed that the party must modernize its statutes and its program to become more “pragmatic” and project the image of a government in waiting.
“For me, pragmatism is being able to make choices and understanding that you can’t do everything at the same time,” said M.me Labrie.
On Wednesday, Mr. Nadeau-Dubois also affirmed that the responsibilities of the two co-spokespeople needed to be reviewed in order to better define their role. QS members will be able to debate the priorities put forward by the male co-spokesperson at the party’s next National Council in Saguenay, later this month.