A federal government led by the Conservative Party would adopt “responsible federalism” in which Quebec would be respected and Ottawa would meddle in its affairs, assures Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Posted at 7:41 a.m.
Mathieu Paquette
The Canadian Press
Mr. Poilievre took to social networks on Wednesday to respond to the outing made last week by the leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
During a press briefing at the National Assembly, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon argued that Quebec’s interests would not be better served under a Poilievre government than under the current government of Justin Trudeau, believing that the problem is Canadian diet itself.
However, in Mr. Poilievre’s opinion, the problem is not the Canadian regime. “It is the woke and liberal regime that Canadians reject,” he wrote in a long publication on X.
“Under Stephen Harper, Quebec was respected, immigration was under control and the federal government meddled in its affairs. My government will adopt responsible federalism by following these principles. Quebecers will be winners,” he said.
Not one region more than another
During his outing last Tuesday, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon argued that Mr. Poilievre “plays politics based on his base, which is in Western Canada, and the vote in Ontario, which he must win if he wants to become prime minister.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
“He does not need Quebec to win and therefore he will not consider our interests and concerns. It will appear in his campaign, but it will especially appear once he is in power,” insisted the PQ leader.
In his message, Mr. Poilievre promised that this would not be the case.
“I am not here to defend the interests of one region for the benefit of another. I’m here to restore the promise of Canada so that everyone who works hard can earn a good wage, buy an affordable home and raise a family in a safe neighborhood. »
Mr. Poilievre instead accused the PQ leader of being “afraid that a conservative government would respect the autonomy of Quebec, because that would harm (his) arguments in favor of sovereignty.”
Last week, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon said that Mr. Poilievre despises the Quebec independence movement. “Clearly, he has no consideration for this movement, no understanding of why this movement has existed for decades. »
Immigration, pipeline et tramway
Mr. Poilievre also responded to criticism from Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon on various issues.
On the subject of Roxham Road, the PQ leader mentioned that Mr. Poilievre only began to be interested in it once the subject attracted attention elsewhere in Canada. The Conservative leader recalls that he put pressure on the Trudeau government so that this access route was closed during his leadership race.
Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon warned that a possible Conservative government in Ottawa “will continue to finance absolutely horrible projects, like the pipeline in the West.” Once again, Mr. Poilievre offers a different vision.
“Since May 2018, I have opposed federal subsidies for the Trans Mountain pipeline, and my position has never changed. These projects must be financed by private companies, not with Canadians’ money. »
Regarding the Quebec tramway, which Mr. Poilievre undertakes not to finance, Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon submits that this creates instability in the provincial capital. In response, the Conservative leader reiterates that he prefers to focus on the third Quebec-Lévis link.
The Federal Parliament is prorogued until March 24. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to resign once the person who will succeed him as leader of the Liberal Party has been chosen, which must be done on March 9.
Since the three main opposition parties have promised to overthrow the Liberal government at the first opportunity, federal elections could take place as soon as the spring. The Conservatives are ahead in national polls.
