Robert Libman: CAQ focus should have been on policy, not pride

 

Last weekend, more than 1,200 delegates gathered for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) convention , the party’s last such opportunity to discuss policy and prepare its platform ahead of the provincial election in October. The convention began on the heels of a Léger poll suggesting the CAQ is cruising toward a massive victory.

 

With morale soaring, and a near-certainty that the CAQ will form the next government, one would have expected delegates to act responsibly and seize the opportunity to address the concerns of Quebecers, in order to shape policy orientations going forward. These large events are important for the party rank and file and meant to give rise to substantive debate and discussion. However, despite the many difficulties Quebecers are grappling with, some magnified by the pandemic, little of that seemed to matter last weekend. Issues related to health care, seniors, the soaring cost of living, housing, crumbling infrastructure and, climate change were all virtually ignored. The spotlight was on the official theme of the convention: pride.

 

Premier François Legault seemed focused almost exclusively on pushing nationalist buttons to rally the troops.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/robert-libman-caq-focus-should-have-been-on-policy-not-pride/ar-AAY2VFg?ocid=EMMX&cvid=5eace747a0eb4c5dbbea19ed8151217b&fbclid=IwAR0Q9OJwKgXWrFE_5bu8B3dQDxMnbtKrjmIsNaCqITOZXvCnbMx0jbrms64