Martine Biron and opportunism | The Press

Ethicist Marie-Andrée Brière^⁠1 burned her at the stake of personal ethics for failing to respect a “reasonable period” of removal from the political world before making the leap into politics. She called her careless “about the integrity she [devait] to have towards the public”… even worse, she marked it with the seal of an “opportunism [qui aurait] played in his choices, in his action” (sic)…

Jean-Francois Leonard
Holder of a doctorate in political science

Heavenly God (French version of OMG), we are in shock!

Of course, she is not the first to make such a choice… From René Lévesque to Christine St-Pierre, from Chrystia Freeland to Vincent Marissal, without forgetting the Pierre Duchesne and other Bernard Drainville.

The notebook of these “defectors” is well stocked, not only in Quebec and Canada, but also in Western democracies.

Is it a scourge, as CRTC Vice-President Tom Pentefountas wondered in 2012 – former Montreal journalist for CKDG-FM and CJAD, ADQ candidate in 2004 and 2008? And what about journalists who become companions or companions of politicians, as often happens in Europe? Are we erecting an ethical wall when we put our heads on the pillow? And is it only in hockey that we have the right, if not the duty, to be opportunistic?

In short, to ask the question like this is to forget three things:

• firstly, in a representative democracy every citizen has the fundamental right and total freedom to stand for election. And not just taxpayers, lawyers or doctors;
• secondly, what is called “taking the leap into politics” necessarily involves moving from a professional sector (private or public) to a “political class” which, as in school, reflects our society ;
• thirdly, being a woman or a politician these days and confronting the vociferous “social jaundice” require courage and abnegation like no other.

Was Martine an opportunist? Of course, this is also a basic characteristic in politics.

And the rogue and opportunist in chief François, our “blond demon” of Quebec politics, has surely played his approach and his arguments with finesse, which include as many pipes and keyboards as a monumental organ… especially when the prevailing winds carry the sound. at the heights of power. So what ? It’s part of the gamenot to say of life in society.

Should Martine have resigned six hours, six days, six months or six years before making her decision? One thing is certain, she did not make her decision on a whim and had to go through a “roller coaster” of emotions. The question of the time for reflection, the ethical pause or the “retirement to protect one’s integrity” does not fall within the judgment of social networks, moral professionals and even less of the CRTC. It is the freedom that everyone still has.

Has Martine lost her credibility if she becomes minister of a future CAQ government? In politics, a credible minister is a minister who delivers results and whose word carries. Just take as an example Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport of Canada, facing the dinosaurs of Hockey Canada: she hits home runs every time she opens her mouth.

Martine wants to serve Quebec? Well done and good luck!