In November 1980, Americans elected Republican Ronald Reagan as president. A new era was dawning, socially and fiscally conservative. In September 1984, Canadians elected Brian Mulroney at the head of a majority Conservative government, 211 MPs, including 58 from Quebec, the best score in their entire history.
Mulroney had clear connections with his southern neighbor. The two men got along very well and put an end to a decade of epic quarrels and protectionist conflicts that had been brewing since the 1970s, when our leaders, Nixon and Trudeau Sr., were polar opposites.
We remember the Shamrock Summit held in March 1985 in Quebec where Reagan and Mulroney sang When irish eyes are smiling on the stage of the Grand Théâtre at the dawn of the historic negotiations which would lead to the free trade agreement between our two countries. The treaty was signed in October 1987 and it would favorably change our economic exchanges within the first world economic alliance.
Trump
Then came the election of Donald Trump last November. Whether we like it or not, the American giant commands respect and we will have to learn to dance to its rhythm and quickly. We may puff out our chests and show all the bravado, but our demographic weight which barely exceeds that of California, our underperforming economy and our recurring and growing deficits will not shake the planetary power that reigns to the south. The election of President Trump demands an immediate realignment of our budgetary, tariff and migration policies.
Accumulating gaffes, Justin Trudeau has lost all credibility, like a banana Republican. You have to follow the news on the major American networks to realize the extent to which “Little Justin” is ridiculed, dragging Canada in its wake.
Ontario is currently broadcasting an ad on Fox News that recalls its position as the leading economic partner of 17 American states, where it is good to do business. Canada is absent, like Justin Trudeau at the launch ceremony of the new Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, where François Legault was able to speak directly with Donald Trump.
Take your place
We quickly need a credible and charismatic interlocutor and Pierre Poilievre has the ideal profile. An excellent communicator, determined to put public finances in order and stop the proliferation of an obese and sprawling government, he arrived at the right time to discuss tariff policy, economic growth and border security with the American president.
Quebecers, who rightly fear the imposition of American protectionist measures which would plunge them into a severe recession, must not miss the boat. They must vote overwhelmingly Conservative so that Quebec occupies as many seats as possible in the Poilievre government. Quebec must put all its weight behind it and exert influence at the highest levels of power.
Even sovereignists and those who would be tempted to support the Bloc Québécois must support Pierre Poilievre. One, to ensure that we deliver the final blow to the Liberals, who could surprise despite the disastrous polls. Two, to not leave the political space that is rightfully theirs to the elected officials of other provinces who will make decisions in our place. Three, whatever the fate of Quebec, it will have to bear its share of Canada’s astronomical debt ($1,352 billion, or $41,917 per taxpayer, according to the Montreal Economic Institute) and its growing annual deficits (61, $9 billion for fiscal year 2023-2024 only).
We might as well support Pierre Poilievre, who has made the consolidation of public finances an absolute priority.
Archive photo, QMI Agency
Marc Bellemare
Lawyer
Québec
