If he has “enough good ideas to defend”, Joël Lightbound would run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ).
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The federal MP for the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC) in the riding of Louis-Hébert confirmed the veracity of the rumors that link him to the PLQ on the program “Le monde à l’envers”, broadcast on TVA, last Friday.
“The rumor is not false, but I did not have a revelation like Saint Paul on the road to Damascus”, said Joël Lightbound.
“It takes good thinking,” he continued. Going into politics to be someone is worth nothing. You have to go there to do something.”
Nevertheless, the main interested party already has some ideas for Quebec politics.
“If I had to propose a platform for the PLQ, it would be a mix between the Conservative Party of Quebec and Quebec solidaire, indicated Joël Lightbound. That is to say, a lot of audacity, but little dogmatism.
“There are reforms that are necessary in our health system and we must review our way of doing things, he added. I believe that there are good proposals which come from having a much more decentralized system and bringing more competition and innovation with the private sector, but having a single insurer.
“My silence became an accomplice”
Last year, the member had aroused strong reactions, when he criticized the management of the health crisis by his government led by Justin Trudeau. The one who will celebrate his 35th birthday on February 8 does not regret his decision to have risen to denounce the hostile climate which reigned.
“My silence became an accomplice,” he explained in an interview. I had to speak up, not only vis-à-vis Mr. Trudeau, who I think contributed to this climate, but to several others who, I hope, recognized themselves.
In his eyes, the protesters in Ottawa last year did not deserve to be stigmatized.
“There were people from all backgrounds and walks of life, recalled Joël Lightbound. The problem is that when you call someone a racist and they’re not, you push them into the camp of the racists, who will accept it. For me, the labels, I have hives. I can’t anymore.”
The MP assured that he is on good terms with Justin Trudeau, but that his priority was not to climb the ranks of the PLC.
“I am very comfortable with my role as a deputy and with the sovereignty that I allow myself to have,” he said. […] I’m not looking for a promotion. I had one: they put me in the back of the room [des communes] near Elizabeth May. She is a great lady, I love her very much.”