Environmentalist Patrick Bonin wants to be elected under the Bloc Québécois banner in the Repentigny riding during the next federal elections.
The former spokesperson for Greenpeace Canada confirmed on his social networks that he will seek the party’s nomination in the riding of Repentigny, where he is from.
Mr. Bonin is not yet the official candidate in the federal riding, since the nomination process will be open.
In an interview with Radio-Canada on Wednesday morning, the environmental activist asserted that it was the federal government’s “blatant lack of will” for the environmental transition that pushed him to enter politics.
“Quebec is the best placed place in the world to free itself from hydrocarbons. […] The best way is to ensure that we represent the voice of Quebecers in Ottawa,” he declared.
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet welcomed this candidacy Wednesday morning, calling Mr. Bonin an “unshakeable and effective activist.”
“What joy and what optimism for all of us to see him join our party, sincere and the only bearer of the idea that by reconciling ecology and economy, outside the oil model, Quebec will create more wealth to share,” reacted the Bloc leader on X.
Patrick Bonin was not only spokesperson, but also responsible for the Climate-Energy campaign at Greenpeace Canada for 12 years. He announced on Tuesday that he was leaving office to “take up new challenges”.
As part of his duties at Greenpeace, Mr. Bonin participated in several mobilization events and public appearances, in addition to making numerous media appearances.
Her announcement follows the decision of Bloc MP Monique Pauzé, MP for Repentigny since 2015, not to seek a new mandate in the House of Commons.
In addition to Monique Pauzé, Bloc MP Jean-Denis Garon also announced that he will not seek a new mandate.
The federal parties are preparing for the next election campaign, which could be called at any time.
More details will follow.