Québec solidaire victory a defeat for “politics of division”, says Nadeau Dubois

By The Canadian Press

The victory of Québec solidaire in the by-election in Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne is a defeat for the “politics of division” of Premier François Legault, says party spokesman Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.

He believes that the election of Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, Monday night, is a sign that many Quebecers are opposed to the way of governing of the Coalition Avenir Québec, and that they really are instead behind the unifying approach of his party.



This victory is a breath of fresh air,” he said at a press conference. It is the confirmation that there is an opposition to François Legault in Quebec and that the most effective opposition is Québec solidaire. Last night’s result is a good dose of hope for all those people, and they are many, who do not recognize themselves in the speech of the Premier.”

His colleague and MP in Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques, Manon Massé, spoke of an “alliance between generations” that has borne fruit in the riding.

At the end of a campaign where we expected a very close fight between Christopher Baenninger, who was trying to keep the riding in the Liberal fold after the resignation of the leader Dominique Anglade, and the Solidarity candidate, it is the latter who won with 44.5 per cent of the votes.

A result that even Québec solidaire, which was confident of winning, had not anticipated, said Nadeau-Dubois.

“The call to rally and unity that Guillaume and Québec solidaire have launched during the election campaign, it was heard beyond our expectations,” said the MP for Gouin. We expected a closer result, but we welcome it with modesty, as an encouragement to continue to bring together all Quebecers.”


Priority to housing

In a press conference, Mr. Cliche-Rivard thanked his constituents and pledged to represent them all, regardless of their political allegiance. He attributed his electoral result to the political record of Québec solidaire and the almost continuous work in the riding since the general election last October.

The new MNA, 12th in the parliamentary team he will soon join at the National Assembly, plans to make housing his number one priority in Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne.

“I want to put in place quick and constructive proposals that will make a real difference on the ground,” he announced. We have to make sure that the people of Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne are able to pay their rent, to find housing.”

A lawyer specializing in immigration law, Cliche-Rivard also intends to be “a strong voice for inclusion” at the National Assembly.

“Guillaume is going to be the spokesperson for all those who are voiceless, those on whom Mr. Legault likes to break sugar,” said Nadeau-Dubois. What we are saying is that we can love Quebec and its language without pointing the finger at immigrants, without accusing them of being the source of our challenges. We won’t build a country by dividing, by leaving people behind.”

speech

Québec solidaire’s spokespeople Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois (middle) and Manon Massé (left) giving victory speech after Guillaume Cliche-Rivard (right) wins the Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne byelection on March 13. (Photo Credit: Martin Daigle/CityNews)

The co-spokesman would not confirm whether his new colleague would become an official critic on the matter. “That’s going to weigh in, though,” he hinted. For sure, Guillaume’s skills and experience will be taken into consideration when assigning him responsibilities.”

The newly elected member also confirmed his intention to enter the House without taking the oath of allegiance to King Charles III, which would make him the first member of his party to do so.

Some 57,500 electors were registered on the voters’ list in Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne. As of late Monday evening, Elections Québec estimated the turnout at 31 per cent.

Mr. Baenninger received 28.96 per cent of the vote; PQ candidate Andréanne Fiola received 11 per cent of the vote, while Victor Pelletier received 9 per cent.

The cost of holding a by-election is approximately $600,000.

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