CAQ Leadership Candidate Bernard Drainville Advocates for Inclusive Dialogue with English-Speaking Community
In a significant development within Quebec's political landscape, Bernard Drainville, a prominent candidate vying to succeed Premier François Legault as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has made a firm commitment to foster ongoing communication with English-speaking Quebecers. This pledge comes amid discussions about the party's approach to nationalism and inclusivity.
Defending CAQ's Record on Inclusivity
During a recent media interaction in Trois-Rivières, where he announced new campaign support, Drainville was questioned about Finance Minister Eric Girard's earlier remarks suggesting the CAQ should embrace a more "inclusive" form of nationalism. Drainville promptly countered this notion, asserting that the CAQ's actions over the past seven years have demonstrated remarkable inclusivity.
"I think we've been incredibly inclusive," Drainville stated, highlighting Quebec's role in welcoming over half of the world's asylum seekers arriving in Canada in recent years. "I think our nationalism is inclusive."
Direct Address to English-Speaking Quebecers
When reminded that Girard's comments specifically referenced the English-speaking community, Drainville adjusted his focus to address their concerns directly. Standing outside a CAQ caucus meeting, he emphasized that English-speaking individuals are integral to Quebec's fabric.
"With regards to the English-speaking community, the English-speaking community is part of Quebec," Drainville affirmed. "They are Quebecers. They are part of Quebec. I will always have a dialogue with our English-speaking community."
He elaborated on his vision of Quebec identity, stating, "My conception of who is a Quebecer is someone who lives in Quebec. Someone who lives in Quebec, whatever the language, whatever the origin, whatever the sexual orientation, whatever the colour of your skin ... we are all Quebecers."
Balancing Unity and Diversity
Drainville further explained that while respecting individual differences is crucial, building on common values is equally important. "Now, we must respect our individual differences, but we must also build on common values. We must find the equilibrium in that equation," he noted, underscoring a balanced approach to governance.
Echoes from Other CAQ Figures
Drainville's stance mirrors that of his leadership rival, Christine Fréchette, who recently announced her candidacy and similarly pledged to engage with English-speaking Quebecers. Fréchette stated, "I intend to have a discussion, a dialogue with English people in Quebec. They are part of Quebec."
Finance Minister Eric Girard, who previously served as minister responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers, clarified his earlier comments, acknowledging that some in the community have felt excluded from the CAQ's projects. "They are a stakeholder in the Quebec society that sometimes did not feel included in our project," Girard admitted, while maintaining neutrality in the leadership race.
Campaign Dynamics and Broader Context
Drainville made these remarks on the final day of a CAQ caucus meeting, held to prepare for the National Assembly's resumption on February 3. He was accompanied by Saint-Jean MNA Louis Lemieux, bringing his total endorsements to nine MNAs. In contrast, Fréchette arrived with three additional supporters, including Employment Minister Pascal Déry, raising her tally to nineteen.
The caucus concluded with a noontime news conference, though Premier François Legault was absent due to a meeting of Canada's premiers in Ottawa with Prime Minister Mark Carney. This leadership contest occurs against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about Quebec's social cohesion and the CAQ's future direction, with both candidates positioning themselves as bridges to diverse communities within the province.
