HUNTSVILLE - The election of the Parti Québécois in Quebec has more to do with disapproval of the previous government than a signal of an uprising in the separatist movement.
That’s the opinion of Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement, who said the defeat of the ruling Liberal party in the province was more of a backlash against the former government than support for the PQ.
“The good news in Quebec is that all the polling indicates that the percentage of people who want outright separatism is at an all-time low. So let’s face it, the Liberals have been in power for three terms in Quebec and you are going to get a desire for change at some point in any jurisdiction and I think that was driving the change in government. As you saw by the results it was only a margin of four seats so I can’t see how the PQ can even see that they have a mandate to do something as large as trying to negotiate Quebec out of confederation.”
The PQ returned to power in Quebec after spending the past nine years in opposition. The party, which advocates national sovereignty for the province, won a minority vote during last week’s election.
Clement said even if the separatist movement was gathering steam – or would be doing so as a result of the election – the government isn’t willing to take that road.
“Our message is clear – we are not here to reopen any old constitutional battles, we are not here to have endless debates with a separatist government in Quebec … we are focused on jobs, the economy and creating growth throughout the country.”