The resignation of Émilise Lessard-Therrien from the position of co-spokesperson created a shock wave at Québec solidaire. It would appear that the problems had been latent for some time without any haste in working to resolve them.
The events reminded me of some interventions made with Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois during the student conflict. I also remember the attempts at mediation between the independence parties.
The past makes me skeptical of the MP’s ability to change course, especially when he says he wants to be transparent. What was he hiding before?
The student leader
I knew Gabriel when he was spokesperson for the Association for Student Union Solidarity (ASSÉ). It was during the maple spring when the Liberal government wanted to increase university tuition fees.
After a few weeks of student demonstrations, I suggested that ASSÉ examine possible solutions with the CSQ economist. Their representatives rejected the suggestions and displayed a refusal to negotiate with the government because it would be “screwed”.
The heads of the central unions were asked to mediate between student associations, the government and universities. After a night of negotiations, we agreed on a road map.
A few hours later, the deal was broken. I was told that the ASSÉ representative in the mediation process received a whole load of green fire when Gabriel learned of the agreement.
QS signature
A few months later, at the request of Jean-Martin Aussant of Option nationale and with the agreement of the PQ and QS, I chaired a mediation session where we seemed to lead to a strategic agreement for the next election.
A break and a phone call later, the QS representatives came back saying that their party would campaign against the PQ.
A new image is required for QS. He is far from sure that Gabriel can play him!
