Solidarity MP Ruba Ghazal is launching the race to succeed Manon Massé as co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire. Becoming the first to confirm her candidacy, she promises to lead a campaign centered on language, culture, but also independence, which she wants to talk more about.
“It’s only natural for me to show up. I have been an activist since the founding of the party and I have been able to contribute to advancing our social project. I want to go even further,” says the elected official in an interview with The Press.
His nomination, first revealed by The Canadian Press, was confirmed on Sunday. The elected official immediately promises to speak of “more independence”. “In the party, we talk about these issues, but it’s as if it’s not heard enough for Quebecers. I want to put that forward, I want people to hear about independence, about our project to get there,” says Ms.me Ghazal.
The 45-year-old woman is also committed to making Quebec language and culture her priorities during the campaign, in addition to the environment and the fight against climate change.
“I also feel it, this fear of losing one’s language, of losing one’s culture. With everything that is happening with the GAFAMs, the young people who no longer listen to our Quebec TV, I tell myself that we should not wait for federal laws like C-11, but rather equip ourselves with all the tools in our possession. to protect our language and our culture”, persists the MP.
Officially, Ruba Ghazal is so far the only one in the ranks. His colleague Christine Labrie, MP for Sherbrooke, however, has already said in reflection, while and the former MP for Rouyn-Noranda–Témiscamingue, Émilise Lessard-Therrien, could also try her luck, according to several sources.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie
Speak to more audiences
A former manager in the business community, Ruba Ghazal does not hide the fact that she would like Québec solidaire to “speak more” to certain audiences. “Before becoming an MP, I earned my living in factories, private companies. I previously worked at Bombardier, so I was close to people who had 9 to 5 jobs. And we at QS have to listen to these people. The way we bring our proposals must speak to them more,” she concedes in an interview.
In the same breath, she warns, however, that it is crucial that those in solidarity remain “faithful to their values”. “Inequalities are widening in Quebec and that worries me a lot. That’s why I’m here, ”says Mme Ghazal.
She also intends to make more room for voters in the regions, where she promises to travel “a lot” during the campaign. “It will not be a communication exercise. We really want to go where people don’t expect us, in business circles, in chambers of commerce for example. »
Within the party, the elected also wishes “that the voice of the regions be heard more”. “Our activists are not just people from Montreal. For example, within our national coordination committee, I will propose that there be a quota of people from rural areas, and that we offer more support to local associations so that they can develop and be ready for the 2026 election”, she illustrates.
Crossroads
For meme Ghazal, this race to succeed Manon Massé comes at a pivotal moment for Québec solidaire. “At the moment, we are at a crossroads for QS. The risk is to stagnate, but that must not happen. We really want to move forward in 2026, ”maintains the MNA for Mercier.
In his eyes, this “mixing of ideas” will be “very good for the party”, regardless of who is named co-spokesperson at the end of the race. “Each person will have their color and it will be beneficial for our party. It will help us in our progress. »
Of Palestinian origin, born in Lebanon, Mr.me Ghazal, a child of Bill 101, did her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in environment. Before becoming an MP, she worked for OI Canada Corp., Church & Dwight Canada Corp., L-3 Communications and Bombardier Aerospace, among others. She is currently her party’s whip in the National Assembly, in addition to serving as spokesperson for education, culture, the French language and the status of women.
The campaign will run for 13 weeks. Candidates must collect 500 signatures from members in good standing from six regions and 20 different constituencies. Discussions are planned during this period. The congress that will elect QS spokespersons will take place from November 24 to 26. It is during this weekend that Manon Massé will step down as co-spokesperson. Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois should stay on.
With The Canadian Press