Defectors, explanations and obedience tests

Ren Lewesk left the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ). He joined Union Nationale and members of the PLQ and opposed Bill 63, the first in a series of language laws to be the subject of debate in the 1970s.

And since it is a new party, people from all walks of life have come from public service and universities and from other parties. The party was founded in 1976 between the founding of the party and the seizure of power by Jacques Parijou, Jacques-Yvonne Morin, Claude Morin, Camille Lorin and others.

Defectors? It is the duty of all new parties, at least like the Liberal Party not in the Confederation.

Quebec Solidair was also formed with people from grassroots groups, but there were also many defectors from the party Quebecois and the New Democratic Party.

Defectors are part of political life for the simple reason that political life should reflect changes in society.

But the fact is that defectors have a moral obligation: to explain why they are turning sides. Only to show that their “crossing the floor of the chamber” is not just opportunism or the promise of owning a car.

Published by Rene Lewesk Quebec choice Exited PLQ. This book has become a classic, has been re-released many times and is still found on the shelves of good booksellers. This is a sign that it is still relevant to anyone interested in Quebec politics.

When he left PQ, Franకోois Legalt first published the Manifesto, and later, in late 2013, published a book entitled The winner is going to Quebec He sometimes refers to today.

In France, every new stage of political life is almost always accompanied by a work, some of which are genuine literary works. (Edward Philip’s recent book, after he left Matignon, is certainly remarkable.)

In the United States, this book is part of the DNA of politics. You can not run for president or even the Senate without writing a book.

From the first words of the Declaration of Independence, it is explained that “respect for the cause of humanity must declare the reasons why it decides to distinguish it”. Although it was written 200 years ago, it has become a tradition among our neighbors in the South.

Why is it that on this side of the border, “respect due to public opinion” is not enough for defectors to describe themselves?

One reason is the excessive strength of political parties, which no longer allow dissent, nor even the right to question themselves publicly.

We saw the vote initiated by Conservative backbenchers in the United Kingdom this week, with nearly 40% of dissenting MPs ousting Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was probably fatally weakened.

It does not require a massive constitutional amendment, only the political will to restore power to the backbenchers.

In Quebec and Canada, the opposite is true. Political parties are the strongest of all. And loyalty to the leader is at the forefront of the desired qualities in the candidate.

In Ottawa, the most constructive political development of the past year was undoubtedly allowing the Liberals to rule until the end of the usual four-year term between Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh.

An agreement was reached between the two chiefs. Representatives of both parties did not even consult the ministers in advance. They learned that there would be a cabinet meeting at 7:00 pm, and then a caucus at 8:30 pm at 4:00 pm. Take or leave.

In Quebec, there are loyalty tests for the chief. To become a CAQ candidate, for example, you must swear that you support the third link, no matter what you have said before.

The two major defectors of the 2022 vintage, Bernard Drainville and Carolyn Saint-Hilare, have reached the point where they have to repeat the exact lie on the subject, the third link being now acceptable because there is a way reserved for its second version. Buses. However it is only at peak times. While the lane reserved in the first version is permanent. It’s not greenery, low!

But, here it seems that the defectors do not need to give an explanation.