(Thetford Mines) At his lowest in the polls, Marc Tanguay nevertheless remains convinced that the discourse and values defended by the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) resonate in the hearts of Quebecers.
At the end of a three-day pre-sessional caucus, which took place from Tuesday to Thursday in Thetford Mines, the interim leader of the official opposition concluded his closing press briefing without any major announcement or commitment. Instead, he reiterated that the Liberals will defend the economy in Parliament this winter.
According to him, defending the interests of small and medium-sized businesses will allow him to distinguish himself from the sovereignists of the Parti Québécois (PQ) and Québec solidaire (QS), but also against the government of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which prefers “big deals” to the detriment of the regions.
Throughout its stay in Chaudière-Appalaches, the Liberal caucus was tinged with media interventions by the former mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, who is preparing behind the scenes his entry into the party leadership race. Marc Tanguay does not ask the latter to clarify his intentions and accepts that he waits for his return from Compostela, in May, before launching. The election of the next leader is scheduled for 2025.
During the winter, Mr. Coderre’s statements are not likely to deflect the Liberals’ messages at the Salon Bleu, according to the interim leader of the PLQ. For what ?
“Because our messages are clear. Because we embody liberal values. Because we have a speech that resonates in the hearts of people, in the hearts of Quebecers,” he replied.
Last December, a poll carried out by the firm Léger placed the PLQ at 14% of voting intentions at the provincial level, behind Québec solidaire (17%), the Coalition Avenir Québec (25%) and the Parti Québécois (31% ). Only the Conservative Party had a lower percentage of support, at 11%.
Bridges to rebuild
Tuesday, before the opening of the caucus, Liberal MPs toured the city of Thetford Mines to meet economic, community and political stakeholders.
In this region, which has long been represented by former Liberal minister Laurent Lessard, who was also mayor of the municipality, the climb back is steep for the Liberals.
In 2022, during the last election, the PLQ finished in last position of all the parties in the Lotbinière-Frontenac riding, garnering a little less than 6% of support, behind the Parti québécois (9%), Québec solidaire (9%). %), the Conservative Party (32%) and the CAQ (44%).
Show federalist pride
Quebec’s membership in Canada will also be proudly displayed by the Liberals this winter, said Marc Tanguay, while the Parti Québécois of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon – which promises a referendum in a first mandate, if it takes power in 2026 – has the wind in its sails.
To aspiring candidates who could enter the race, Marc Tanguay affirms that they are free to propose a new round of constitutional negotiations with the federal government.
“Quebec must participate in the Canadian federation. We must revive the Council of the Federation. We must revive Canadian intergovernmental agreements. We must keep the country alive,” he said.