Bruno Marchand’s Locomotive

I went to Quebec in the hope of meeting an influential member who, according to many political analysts, could become the real opposition to the next government of François Legault.

I did not stop at Parliament. I went straight to the city hall in the heart of Old Quebec.

That being said, the Cauquists will win an overwhelming majority of seats in the National Assembly. Rival formations share fragments. Then, an informal opposition would emerge with a new guard of elected municipal officials.

From Quebec City to Sherbrooke, through Laval and Longueuil, mayors who appeared on the scene last year were a breath of fresh air. A new breed of elected officials decided to form a united front to fight back – finally! – Against climate change.

That’s good, because we don’t talk much about the weather in this election campaign. But there is not even a moment for us to lose.

So here I am sitting in front of a tray of pastries in the elegant office of the Mayor of Quebec. In this castle setting, with its chandelier and tapestry, his trademark colorful running shoes stand out more than ever.

But Bruno Marchand was quick to deflate my balloon. Unofficial or, anti-government, “it should not be cities”, he decides. “Have you ever tried playing contrarian with your banker? Good luck! »

to beat Quebec Mayor Frank. Above all, practical. “The choice of Quebec voters, we cannot oppose it for four years; We’re not going anywhere. We need to work with the elected government and hope that they too will see the need to act and act quickly. »

It is understood that the mayors do not have the means to resist the government holding the purse strings. However, François Legault’s recent volte-face, which initially shut down the “green pact” requested by cities to adapt to climate change, clearly shows the influence that elected municipal officials can have over the prime minister.

These elected officials are “unnecessarily” seeking a multi-billion green deal, says Bruno Marchand. They do so because they know very well that waiting for a flood or a road to be washed away will cost ten times more. We have to estimate. adapt “But mayors also do it because they believe in it,” Mr. Marchand added.

He, in any case, believed it. Hard as iron. That is why he entered politics.

Courage is needed. Especially in Quebec, a certain radio never gives him a break. Bruno Marchand points out that in spring, the mercury rose 30°C above the seasonal normal in Antarctica. “Radio X is playing this clip over and over again, making me look thick…” A mayor shouldn’t worry about what’s happening outside his city’s borders. He should care about the fate of the planet. “It’s a bit stupid as a way of thinking. »

Thousands of Quebecers marched for climate on Friday. This necessity, we will not experience in the outgoing government. Over the past few months, we’ve heard:

• The Environment Minister, while not supporting the study, promised that a third link would contribute… Break urban sprawl;

• Another minister urged Quebec’s mayor to stop “polluting drivers’ lives” with projects like the tramway;

• One candidate, possibly a future minister, told reporters: “Leave me with GHGs! “.

Above all, don’t rush voters, they tell us. Don’t hand them their gas-guzzling vehicles. People are not ready. If we push the envelope too far she won’t follow us. She can rise like the yellow shirts in France!

I found this lecture depressing. Not Bruno Marchand. “They’re partly right,” he slipped to me. Practical, once again. He compares politics to a locomotive; If she pulls too fast, too hard, the carts run the risk of stalling.

The train should slow down. Make sure everyone gets on board. “This is our only chance of success. If the cars stop because the locomotive is going too fast, maybe we will reach our destination in time, but we will get there on our own. »

But it seems to me, we are not now. You have to press the accelerator. It also means mixing people into their habits.

Scientists keep repeating it: our way of life is unsustainable. If we do not limit global warming to 1.5°C, we will reach a point of no return. You have to move yourself. Now. We are already late.

The movie reminds me of the weather metaphor Don’t look up. A meteor is heading towards a planet. Scientists are trying to alert people. No one listens to them. No one wants to be disturbed.

But it needs disruption. Who knows, people might find it enjoyable. Wellington Street in Verdun was voted the most beautiful street in the world after its transformation, recalls Mayor Bruno Marchand. In the Quartier des Spectacles, Sainte-Catherine Street attracts hundreds of delighted pedestrians. To try is to embrace it.

More courage is needed. “We have to move the locomotive forward, the mayor of Quebec agreed. Even if we lost the election. I look at the younger generations and tell them: “We did everything we could when it was known: I was re-elected, but I didn’t have the courage. I was afraid. On the radio, I was afraid that people would laugh at me. Because I cited Antarctica as an example of the planet needing love. »