PLQ leadership race | Pablo Rodriguez already the target of attacks

(Quebec) Barely arrived, federal minister Pablo Rodriguez is already the target of attacks from his opponents in the race for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), as well as the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ).

“I do not agree with his track record in terms of public finance management, in terms of the invasion of Quebec’s areas of jurisdiction and the economic vision of this government,” criticized Liberal MP and candidate Fred Beauchemin. His experience “still reflects the management of the Liberal Party of Canada government,” he added.

Former president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce Charles Milliard said he was “looking forward to hearing how [M. Rodriguez] will be able to embody the renewal that the PLQ needs.” In a statement to The PressMr. Milliard added: “Let us also hope that he will be able to devote himself full time to this important task; the largest political party in the history of Quebec is well worth it.”

According to our information, Pablo Rodriguez will resign on Thursday from his post as Minister of Transport and his functions as political lieutenant, but he should nevertheless remain in office as federal MP for Honoré-Mercier for the time being.

Mr. Rodriguez’s opponents in the race, however, are likely to criticize the decision. Already, some are asking in secret whether his campaign will be indirectly financed by the Canadian Parliament.

Matane-born tax lawyer Marc Bélanger, who is also a candidate in the race, also had a go at Mr. Rodriguez: “This campaign will finally give him the opportunity to be more present on the ground, to get out of Montreal and meet Quebecers in all regions of Quebec,” he wrote in a statement.

Denis Coderre clarified to The Press Wednesday that he would comment on Mr. Rodriguez’s arrival once he had made the announcement. A press conference is planned for Thursday. In August, the former mayor of Montreal had said that “the timing is bad” for his “buddy Pablo,” when he should be fully focused on helping the LPC win the by-election in LaSalle–Émard–Verdun.

Fred Beauchemin also said that Mr. Rodriguez’s jump into the PLQ leadership race is “a good deal,” since the greatest number of candidates possible is desired “to have a debate of ideas.” “We will accept everyone,” added the Liberal MP, speaking to journalists at the end of question period in Quebec City.

The president of the Quebec Employers Council and former Liberal MP, Karl Blackburn, welcomed the arrival of Pablo Rodriguez in the race. He said it was a “level candidacy”. “Having people from all walks of life is good for a political party. […] The Quebec Liberal Party has always been a single party, and it does not need anyone to guide it.”

While visiting the National Assembly to participate in a parliamentary committee, he commented on his state of health. In June, he had closed the door on the idea of ​​running. “It’s clear that my thinking stopped 10 days ago when I had this diagnosis,” he told The Press. But for “a few weeks now,” he said, “I know my opponent, I know his grade, his stadium and his weight, and I know what tools I have to use to defeat him, and that’s the operation.”

“I’m going to have surgery in a few months, and all this should be behind me from then on.” Could his decision change, under these conditions? “My priority at the moment is my health,” he replied, without completely closing the door.

A “branch” of the federal Liberals, according to the CAQ

The CAQ took advantage of Mr. Rodriguez’s jump to criticize the PLQ. “We see that Mr. Rodriguez’s arrival only confirms that the Quebec Liberal Party is just a branch of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party,” denounced CAQ parliamentary leader Simon Jolin-Barrette as he left the Cabinet meeting.

He believes it is a bad omen to see that “Justin Trudeau’s political lieutenant” is running for a party in Quebec when Mr. Trudeau “has just decried the protection of the French language.”

Mr. Jolin-Barrette stated that the PLQ “is infiltrated by the Liberal Party of Canada” and that it is not a “party that defends and promotes Quebec identity, the French language, the fact of valuing all of Quebec’s regions”, but a “party focused on certain interest groups”.

There is no connection to be made between the PLC and the PLQ, however, believes Liberal MP Jennifer Maccarone. “There is no history of connection between the Liberal Party and the Liberal Party of Canada. We are very distinct,” she said. Other elected members of the caucus praised Mr. Rodriguez’s experience.

” It’s a campaignersomeone who has experience, that’s for sure,” said Virginie Dufour.

MP Désirée McGraw gave her support to Mr. Rodriguez even before he launched in August. He will also receive the support of Luc Fortin, a former minister in Philippe Couillard’s government. Mr. Fortin, who was the MNA for Sherbrooke, is to act as co-chair of his leadership campaign, according to our information.

Marwah Rizqy described Mr. Rodriguez as a “quality” candidate and a person “with a lot of experience.” On the open microphone, the elected officials are not afraid that the PLQ will be associated with Justin Trudeau’s party. “We are a big party. We have an interest in having candidates for our leadership race. It is far from being a lifeline [pour le PLC] ” added the Liberal MP. Madwa-Nika Cadet believes that it will be up to Mr. Rodriguez to explain why he wants to remain a federal MP during the race, but will accept his decision.

Guilbault wants a Quebec minister

The Legault government, for its part, expressed the wish that the position of Minister of Transport, left vacant by Mr. Rodriguez, be entrusted to a Quebec elected official.

“There are many competent people in all provinces and territories of Canada, but it is certain that having a Minister of Transport, which is a very important position, who would have a Quebec sensitivity, would be appreciated because we know that we need money for our roads and our public transportation and there is a certain disengagement from the federal government,” indicated the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault.

With Charles Lecavalier, Tommy Chouinard, and Joël-Denis Bellavance, The Press