Maïté Blanchette Vézina’s departure: François Legault downplays criticism

Premier François Legault is not making a big deal out of the dramatic departure of Rimouski MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina, saying that it is part of the risks of the job.

“It should be remembered that I made a reshuffle last week. And like all premiers who make a reshuffle, when you dismiss ministers, there is always a risk that it will end badly,” the premier said on Friday’s broadcast of “Des matins en or” on ICI Première.

Blanchette Vézina caused a stir in the National Assembly on Thursday when she announced that she was leaving the CAQ caucus a week after losing her position as Minister of Natural Resources and Forests. She also called on Legault to step down.

According to her, the CAQ government has abandoned Quebec’s regions. Legault dismissed this criticism out of hand.

“On the contrary, I think there has never been a premier who has made so many announcements in the regions,” he said during an interview with Radio-Canada.

“It’s important to work as a team.”

Legault is making his first visit to Abitibi-Témiscamingue since appointing himself minister responsible for the region.

It should be noted that Legault expelled Pierre Dufour, the member for Abitibi-Est, from the CAQ caucus because he had suggested to La Presse that he might resign if the premier did not appoint an elected representative from his region to the cabinet.

“We can say anything we want in our caucus, but outside of it, it’s important to work as a team. Pierre Dufour knows that very well,” the premier said on Friday.

Legault said he had considered appointing another Abitibi MNA, Daniel Bernard, to the cabinet. Instead, he decided to take on the role himself.

“I follow the economy of Abitibi-Témiscamingue very closely,” the premier assured.

“It’s not easy to form a cabinet. There are many criteria that are used. We want people who have certain expertise. We want people of different ages and genders. We also want to be able to choose some new people and some old ones,” he added.

Megawatts for a mine

The premier was in Abitibi-Témiscamingue to announce that his government and Hydro-Québec are granting 25 megawatts to the Odyssey mine at the Canadian Malartic complex.

This announcement will create 1,600 new jobs in Abitibi-Témiscamingue with an average salary of $140,000 per year, according to the government.

“You have a happy guy in front of you today,” said the premier at a press briefing.

“We can say anything we want in our caucus, but outside it’s important to play it safe.”

“This announcement is part of the Quebec government and Hydro-Québec’s commitment to stimulating the economy, particularly in the regions, by focusing on clean energy,” according to the Quebec City press release.

It should be noted that Quebec wants to double its electricity production by 2050.

The premier made the announcement with his new Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Jean-François Simard, as well as his Abitibi MNAs, Daniel Bernard and Suzanne Blais.

It should be noted that the MNA for Abitibi-Est, Pierre Dufour—now an independent—was also present at the announcement.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews