Liberal candidate denounces François Legault’s “divisive” approach

Jean-François Primeau, Liberal candidate in the riding of Châteauguay, reported to have noticed, while on the field, that many citizens felt excluded and hurt by the comments of the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec concerning immigrants and anglophones. 

Translation Hortense Ferron-Lefebvre 

Mr. Primeau is referring to François Legault’s recent statements suggesting a link between immigration, violence and extremism. At a press conference on September 7th, Mr. Legault said that immigrants can pose a challenge to maintaining the “way of life” in Quebec. 

“Quebecers are peaceful,” Mr. Legault declared, “they don’t’ like bickering, they don’t like extremists, they don’t like violence.”

According to the Liberal candidate in the Châteauguay riding, residents of the region have expressed their displeasure with the outgoing Premier’s comments.

Echoes from the door-to-door

“It’s quite common when I go door to door,” said Mr. Primeau, noting that it is not only immigrants who have expressed this, but also people who interact with them on a daily basis.

The candidate added that Mr. Legault’s refusal to participate in the debate in English is feeding the “divisive approach” of his party. He also reported that English-speaking residents have shared their concerns with him concerning “everything that comes with the adoption of Bill 96.”

The Quebec Liberal Party initially supported Bill 96, but later voted against its enactment, saying it went too far. 

Mr. Primeau finally argues that his party offers a different alternative to the CAQ.

“Liberal values support a positive, inclusive, and unifying approach that is more in line with our way of life in the Châteauguay riding” said Mr. Primeau in a press release “it is this approach that will also allow us to meet the current challenges, such as the labour shortage, and to prepare together for the future.”