Relaunch of the Liberal Party of Quebec: a debate on nationalism creates a stir in the general council

Two visions clash on the place of nationalism in the revival of the Liberal Party of Quebec. Activists want a return to the defense of the Quebec nation, but this initiative was strongly contested in the general council.

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Gathered in general council in Victoriaville, the 400 members of the PLQ present hoped to see the formation reborn from its ashes this weekend, following the worst electoral defeat in its history. The question of Quebec nationalism in the PLQ took up all the space, not without a hitch.

While the party is undermined by catastrophic polls among the French-speaking majority, the president of the recovery committee, André Pratte, ensures that there is no crack with the members. “There is no panic, there is no chicanery, there is no tearing,” insisted Mr. Pratte.

The ex-president of the political committee of the PLQ, Jérôme Turcotte, however, stole the show and spiced up this general council. The latter wrote on Friday that Quebec nationalists felt marginalized in the PLQ.

Tired, he “stores” his membership card in a drawer. He is worried to see the party “crossed by a certain current of Canadian nationalism”. He maintains that “Quebec needs everything except a provincial branch of the PLC”.

In particular, he held a highly nationalist speech.

“They have to take the most uncomfortable positions that are towards the center, to go to this voter: francophone, nationalist and liberal so that we become again this big tent that brings everyone together.”

“A bit strong”

However, the revival committee and the tenors of the party seemed to reject out of hand the apprehensions of Mr. Turcotte, who points out that the nationalists feel isolated in the PLQ and that an examination of conscience must be made.

“Word examination of conscience is a bit strong,” said committee chairman André Pratte. “There is certainly a reflection to be made. Our committee is there to do this reflection […] and say how the Liberal Party expresses its choice to defend Quebec and its values.”

Only the interim leader of the PLQ, Marc Tanguay, argued that the party could review its position on nationalism, but he assures that there is already room for them. “It will be part of the important discussions,” he said.

Irreconcilable visions?

In the afternoon, the activists were also torn on the place of Quebec within Canada, nationalism and the French language. MP Monsef Derraji confirmed his nationalist side by affirming that Quebec should not be a “yes-yes-yes” in the face of the federal government.

At the same time, an activist from Laporte County proposed to cede the entire field of health jurisdiction to the federal government, receiving applause.

Nationalism is an “extremely divisive concept,” added Westmount–Saint-Louis activist Thomas Rolain. The clash has sometimes seemed brutal between those who first want to promote the Quebec nation in the federation and those for whom the defense of minority rights remains the priority.

The race is long overdue

Potential candidates for the succession of Dominique Anglade will have to wait a little longer before knowing the rules of the race. Several names circulate and the teams seem to be active on the ground.

“I’m trying to figure out if I’m tempted or not to get started,” said Marguerite-Bourgeois elected official Frédéric Beauchemin, adding that economic development is his priority. Word nationalism was on everyone’s lips. “The nationalism that I see is inclusive, so that everyone can participate,” explained Mr. Beauchemin.

Also questioned on this subject, the deputy for Nelligan, Monsef Derraji, assured that he would not take advantage of the council to do canvassing.

“I’m here as a Liberal Party activist. […] I’m waiting for the rules and I’m concentrating on my job as a leader,” he said. “I am a nationalist.”

what they said

“There is an erosion of the militant base […] It is still necessary that all the people who left the party in silence name what pushed them to leave.

– Jerome Turcotte

“For me, the defense of Quebec values ​​is important. For me, the defense of provincial autonomy is important. Sometimes, we feel a little alone to say it because the PLQ passes these messages under the carpet.

– Activist Maxime Binette

“The Liberal Party is going through a difficult period, we concede it without problem. Now, getting out of this difficult period will require reflection on several aspects.

– André Pratte

“We are starting the revival. There is a key word for the liberals, assume you.

– Antoine Dionne Charest

“We have to do better. Clearly we need to do better. [Avec] the nationalism of a strong Quebec in a party that is federalist.”

– The interim leader of the PLQ, Marc Tanguay

“Mr. Legault does not have exclusivity on a concept of nationalism. I am a francophone and French is extremely important. I am a bilingual person, I want us to defend the interests of Quebec within Canada.”

– Mount Royal–Outremont elected official Michelle Setlakwe

“We are still far from an election […] We are not in an election campaign.”

– Nelligan MP Monsef Derraji