This is the expression used by Queen Elizabeth II to describe 1992, a year when misfortunes befell the British monarchy.
You could say that 2023 is theannus horribilis by François Legault.
January: Sophie Brochu announces her resignation as president and CEO of Hydro-Québec. In health, sit-ins nurses in various hospitals in Quebec are starting to accumulate.
February: Quebec receives a sixth of what it asked for in health from the federal government and this failure is largely attributed to François Legault, who is accused of having neglected Canadian interprovincial relations for too long.
March: Crisis at the SAAQ. Minister Guilbault tries to resolve the situation while Minister Caire defends himself and even demands praise.
April: Retreat on the third link. It is announced that this oft-repeated electoral promise will not be made. Bernard Drainville cries, the deputies are angry and the population is furious.
May: Increase in the salary of deputies by 30%. The unions, in negotiations with the government, inherit a strong argument to justify their demands.
June: The forest fire crisis mobilizes the entire government, which must coordinate rescue operations, evacuations and the arrival of international aid.
July: Surprise resignation of the CAQ MP for Jean-Talon. A by-election will have to be called while voters have not yet swallowed the setback on the third link.
August: Chaotic start to school when we learn that 4,000 teachers are missing. We are looking for “adults” to put in classes.
September: Common front of mayors on the issue of homelessness. Cities accuse the government of not doing enough to stem the problem.
October: Disgusting failure of the CAQ in Jean-Talon. The third link is resurrected in an impromptu statement. The first days of strike are announced.
November: Economic update during which it is said that there is no more financial room for maneuver. A few days later, a $5M grant was announced to host the LA Kings. The FAE launches an indefinite general strike.
December is still to be written and analyzed, but the collective agreements have not been signed and the children are still at home.
If that’s not a annus horribilis…