(Saint-Hyacinthe) Galvanized by the victory in Jean-Talon and favorable polls, the Parti Québécois must remain “focused” on its objectives, including achieving the independence of Quebec, believes Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The PQ leader calls on his troops on Saturday to remain “modest”.
“We must remain focused on the objectives even when there is success,” said the leader of the Parti Québécois on the sidelines of the National Council of his political party, this weekend in Saint-Hyacinthe. This is the first time that PQ activists – there will be some 400 at the end of the week – have met since their resounding victory in Jean-Talon.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon entered a room electrified to the sound of the piece Hymn to Quebec of Loco Locass, surrounded by his team of now four deputies.
However, the PQ leader wants to take advantage of the event to remind his members to remain “modest” despite their success.” This is also the message he will convey during his closing speech on Sunday afternoon.
“When it was more difficult, I found it exceptional that the activists remained focused on our objectives without there being any chaos. But conversely, when things are going very well, you must not let yourself be distracted [de mener] our real objectives, namely to have a positive impact on society and to really help people,” expressed Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon.
This also applies to “not being distracted” by the criticism of your opponents. The Parti Québécois faced criticism this week with the presentation of the year 1 budget for a sovereign Quebec. The filing of the document caused clashes between Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon and Prime Minister François Legault at the Salon Bleu this week, he who signed the last similar exercise in 2005.
“Education, the cornerstone of a nation” is the theme of the National Council. Members will have to express their views on a series of proposals, notably to put an end to three-tier schools, revalorize the teaching profession, the preschool development of children and the support of our adolescents.
Former Prime Minister Pauline Marois, who was Minister of Education from 1996 to 1998, will also deliver a speech on Saturday.
Among the proposals that will be debated, the option of “offering the opportunity to all currently subsidized private schools to become approved schools, entirely financed by the State” and of “gradually reducing subsidies below 50% private schools that do not have agreements.”