The Minister of Energy Pierre Fitzgibbon does not care about public consultations, curse the opposition. The proof: he decided to let them down during an interpellation on the energy future of Quebec. It was the member for Sainte-Rose, still shaken by the drama in a daycare center in his riding, who had to replace him.
The Liberal MP for Jacques-Cartier, Gregory Kelly had invited the Minister of Energy Pierre Fitzgibbon to an interpellation on the future of energy in Quebec Friday morning, at the National Assembly.
The Superminister of Economy and Energy was conspicuous by his absence, preferring that his colleague responsible for the fight against racism and delegate for the Economy, Christopher Skeete, answer questions from the opposition.
Present despite the drama
Mr. Skeete is also the MP for Sainte-Rose, where the terrible tragedy took place in a daycare center on Tuesday and which claimed the lives of two young children.
Since then, the MP has been on the ground in Laval to support the victims and the bereaved community.
Again yesterday evening, he was present on the scene to attend an important lookout. The elected official admits that his place could have been with the people of Sainte-Rose today, but believes that “the State must continue” and that he “has a parliamentary job to do”.
“I am there with them in my heart,” he said, assuring that he is not Pierre Fitzgibbon’s replacement.
“It is a file that we share. The Ministry of Economy and Energy is a big ministry with a lot of challenges and it’s a team effort (…) It’s big the State of Quebec. Mr. Fitzgibbon has other commitments.”
The Minister of Energy was to meet with Innuà chiefs.
The purpose of this meeting was to sensitize the minister on the importance of the project treated with the Regroupement Petapan. It is a process of global territorial negotiation with these Nations.
Not a surprise
Liberal Gregory Kelly made a point of offering his support to Christopher Skeet.
“I know Chris, he is a man with a big heart. I imagine, it’s not easy for him to be here today. He’s a family man, he’s someone who is close to his community and, I imagine, it’s not easy. So, Chris, my thoughts are with you, my friend,” he said, with empathy.
The latter nevertheless affirmed that he was not surprised by the attitude and the absence of Pierre Fitzgibbon, maintaining that he is regularly disinterested in the consultations which are part of his work in the National Assembly.
“I often find, for Minister Fitzgibbon, that he manages things like at Investissement Québec (…) It’s disappointing because it’s still a societal issue. Everyone wants to be involved in decisions about the energy future,” Kelly said.
Solidarity Haroun Bouazzi went there with a rather original formula, arguing that an interpellation on the energy future in Quebec without Pierre Fitzgibbon, “it’s like a poutine without cheese.”