IT'S TIME
TO BRING
US ALL TOGETHER

Over the past few months, many people from the business community, friends, fellow citizens and former colleagues have invited me to run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. I am an entrepreneur’s son who grew up in Roberval. I come from a middle-class background and have since acquired over 30 years of experience in business and politics. Those who know me know how much I love Quebec; how I have always strived to have a positive impact on its development.

 

Like many people — far too many people — I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last June. So, I thought about it seriously and then I chose to prioritize my health. Today, my recovery is confirmed.

 

Those who have fought a serious illness know that such a trying time comes with doubts and questions. It tests our character and resilience, all while making you reflect upon your life and think about the future. This time spent with my family — my wife, my four children, my two granddaughters, my parents and my friends — made me realize how strongly I now felt compelled to re-engage in politics and broaden my commitment to all Quebecers, both today and for the generations who will follow.

 

Quebec is currently on the wrong path. The budget tabled last week demonstrates the extent of the damage caused by the Legault government's loss of control.

 

The deficit has reached a historic record of $13.6 billion. Let’s remember that the Quebec Liberals left François Legault with a budget surplus of $7 billion in 2018, a budget he literally squandered through his poor choices. As he himself acknowledged, he has lost his compass.

 

The state of our public finances leaves us vulnerable in the economic war started by Donald Trump. The first to pay the price will be Quebec workers, entrepreneurs, and regions who are heavily reliant on exports to the United States.

 

A strong economy and sound public finances are the foundations of our prosperity, and the assurance of good quality public services and infrastructure. François Legault's record in this regard is appalling.

 

Our public services are cracking under unprecedented financial pressure and there is no prospect for improvement to be found in the recent budget. Our healthcare and education professionals do extraordinary work, but they feel stifled by a sprawling and growing bureaucracy. Staff shortages are increasing, infrastructure is aging badly and students with learning difficulties are being abandoned. Meanwhile, the government is disengaging itself by creating new structures, such as Santé Québec, whose first act was to cut patient services.

 

While our energy, food and territorial sovereignty are threatened, François Legault continues to implement his divisive policies, harming our economy and our regions. In the CAQ's rhetoric and in its laws, newcomers threaten Quebec rather than enrich it. To fuel a political agenda dividing Quebecers, this government is harming our businesses, which need skilled workers. It is undermining our universities in their mission to attract, train, and retain the talents of tomorrow. It is undermining our culture, which has always been enriched by its openness to others and to the world.

 

Facing a government heading in the wrong direction, I do believe Quebecers are ready for change. This change is not that of the sovereignty-obsessed Parti Québécois.

 

My health has returned, and my determination is stronger than ever. My passion for Quebec and our regions has never left me. I am therefore entering the race for the Quebec Liberal Party leadership with the intent of offering Quebecers an ambitious vision.

 

We need a new style of leadership. A positive, inclusive leadership bringing Quebecers together: regions and Montréal; Francophones, Anglophones, Allophones and First Nations; people of all generations. 

 

I have a deep understanding of this party, to which I have always belonged, and have worked to serve and build in my own way. I know its members and its members know me. I believe I can offer the Quebec Liberal Party a different, more comprehensive candidacy that can bring us all together.

 

It is time to work together to rebuild this great political party that has shaped Quebec. I am deeply convinced that the QLP can refocus on its DNA, its values and its unique signature. That of a party rooted in all regions, one which modernized Quebec and enshrined French as the official language, while adopting its Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The signature of the party focusing on delivering a strong economy, sustainable development, successful major projects, sound management, social justice, equality between men and women, and intergenerational equity. The party of Quebec’s affirmation, development and leadership within Canada and in the world. The party of all Quebecers.