(Thetford Mines) The president of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), Rafael Primeau-Ferraro, invites Denis Coderre to become a member of the party if he plans to enter the leadership race.
As part of a press scrum on the sidelines of the official opposition pre-sessional caucus on Thursday, Mr. Primeau-Ferraro confirmed that the former mayor of Montreal had no longer been a member of the political party since 2010, and this , as of last week. The cost to become a member is $5 per year.
“Mr. Coderre and others who are interested in the race for leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec, it is very easy to become a member. So yes, I am taking this opportunity to extend this invitation,” he said.
According to the party president, this situation is however not exceptional, in the context where several liberal sympathizers occupy professional positions which sometimes lead them to have to work with people affiliated with other political groups.
“Mr. Coderre, like others, has had various professional occupations since 2010, for 14 years. I could understand, for example, that someone who was mayor of Montreal and who undoubtedly wants, in the interest of Montrealers, within the framework of his functions, to have good relations with several different political parties, not to involve at another level,” said Mr. Primeau-Ferraro.
However, at a time when Mr. Coderre announces a tour of the regions of Quebec and clearly shows his interest in launching the race for leadership of the PLQ, Mr. Primeau-Ferraro believes that the former mayor should take his card of member while he finishes his reflection.
A few minutes after the press scrum, Mr. Coderre sent journalists covering the caucus a photo of the form he fills out to become a member in good standing.
The name of Charles Milliard is circulating
Furthermore, several names have been circulating in liberal circles since the announcement of the former mayor of Montreal’s interest in the PLQ. One of them, as indicated Thursday on 98.5 FM, is the president and CEO of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ), Charles Milliard.
Contacted by The Press, PLQ activists said they saw a dynamic personality there, who communicates well and who would display an interesting profile facing the leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The main person concerned confirmed that he was solicited and that for “a lover of politics like me, it is flattering”.
PHOTO ARCHIVES THE PRESS
The President and CEO of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ), Charles Milliard
“That said, I consider that I have one of the best jobs in Quebec which allows me to contribute concretely to the economic development of Quebec and the regions through the network of chambers of commerce. I also highlight the good collaboration between the FCCQ and the current government. We will also be very active on several of their priorities in 2024,” he said.
The president of the PLQ, Mr. Primeau-Ferraro, for his part indicated that he had made several calls in recent months, which allowed him to note growing interest in the race.
“It’s not just business homes. There are men and women with very interesting profiles from various backgrounds who are thinking of getting started, he said.
Next steps
Throughout his stay in Chaudière-Appalaches, the Liberal caucus was tinged with media interventions by Mr. Coderre, who is preparing his entry into the race behind the scenes. The interim leader of the PLQ, 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.
To the Liberal deputies gathered in caucus, Rafael Primeau-Ferraro presented the party’s financial statements. According to him, the PLQ is in good financial health as it prepares to choose its next leader. The precise rules of the race should also be revealed this spring, possibly in May, as part of a general council.
Last October, in Drummondville, liberal activists decided to elect their next leader in the spring of 2025, a little over a year before the general election. The PLQ currently has between 15,000 and 20,000 members. The election of the new leader will be based on the principle of one member one vote.
In order to run in the race, candidates will have to collect the signatures of 750 members in good standing, from at least 70 constituencies and 12 regions, including 350 new members. Aspiring leaders will also be required to make a party deposit of $40,000. Election expenses will be limited to $400,000.