Liberal Party of Quebec | An MP breaks ranks again, this time on the third link

The party line is once again undermined by the leadership race among the provincial Liberals. A member of parliament says she is in favor of a third highway link between Lévis and the National Capital, a position however opposed to that defended by the party.

The elected official in question, the MP for Chomedey Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, officially supports the candidacy of the MP for Frédéric Beauchemin to succeed Dominique Anglade. The latter threw a wrench in the pond on Thursday by announcing support for a highway link project between Quebec and Lévis.

A position that Sona Lakhoyan Olivier “absolutely” supports, she declared on Saturday, on the second day of her political party’s congress in Lévis.

However, the Liberal caucus, of which she is a part, is opposed to it. He rather defends the idea of ​​an inter-river link solely reserved for public transport, a position based on “science” and “the fight against climate change”, recalled the interim leader of the PLQ, Marc Tanguay, the day before.

This new dissension is reminiscent of a recent episode of the same kind. Three deputies then spoke publicly, including Frédéric Beauchemin, to oppose the caucus’ about-face on the question of funding religious schools.

Without discussing potential consequences for the dissidents, Marc Tanguay affirmed that “discussions” would take place on this subject in the caucus.

On Saturday, he opened the door to give them more latitude.

“It is normal and healthy in the context of a leadership race that the candidates and those who support them want to take us elsewhere,” he said, later specifying that “the debates will be held within our bodies”.

Rodriguez attacked again

Favorite in the race, former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez once again came under criticism from his opponents on Saturday in connection with his membership in Justin Trudeau’s government and the latter’s lack of budgetary rigor.

The former mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, did not go there with the back of the spoon.

Still without naming Pablo Rodriguez, the former president of the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCC) Charles Milliard considered that it was difficult to justify his schedule, while he continues to sit in Ottawa while leading his leadership campaign.

“I resigned from my position [à la FCC] and I’m running out of time. I don’t know how you can do both at the same time. »

Acclaimed by several dozen activists upon his arrival at the Lévis Convention Center on Saturday, Pablo Rodriguez replied that his experience as minister in Ottawa gave him “certain experience”.

“I don’t deny my past […]but I am my own person,” he defended himself, adding that he had the support of several former elected officials of the PLQ, including Martin Coiteux. Former Minister of Finance, the latter is associated with the budgetary austerity operation of the former government of Philippe Couillard.

Billion eyeing Orford

Whether or not he wins the race for the leadership of the Liberal Party, Charles Milliard intends to run in the riding of Orford, in Estrie, during the next elections.

Although he admits to having no roots in the region, this new owner of a residence in North Hatley, an upscale hamlet located in Magog and Sherbrooke, praises the county. “Orford is on the path to reconquest for the Liberal Party of Quebec,” he said.

The PLQ congress continues all weekend in Lévis.