Political Opportunity in Unprecedented Times

Tensions between a large population of Quebec and the rest of Canada has been a central theme, shaping the territorial and cultural division of the country that persists today. 

The Parti Québécois (PQ), founded in 1968 by journalist René Lévesque and other French-Canadian separatists boasts a sovereigntist and social democratic agenda, including independence of the province of Quebec from Canada. Quebec’s distinctive language and culture has led the fight for separation; however, Quebec have never mustered enough electoral will to vote for independence.

The 2020 Parti Québécois leadership election, to replace Jean-Fran?ois Lisée, who resigned after failing to be re-elected in his own riding in the 2018 provincial election, offers the party opportunities to adopt elements from other party’s recent successes, create a policy space of their own, including openings left by Premier Fran?ois Legault’s handling of the coronavirus strategies.

As with political agendas, the effects of a plan, underlying intentions or motives of a particular party can positively or negatively alter the dynamics of action and reaction in society. By example, an independent poll, conducted by Angus Reid, found that Quebecers are more concerned about health care than any other provincial issue, with climate change and education next on the list. Sixty percent of respondents felt the current government of Quebec is doing a very good/good job of representing the province’s interests with the federal government.

Conversely, Premier Legault has been criticized for how the provincial government has handled the coronavirus pandemic, including consequences of not only sickness and death but also devastation to society and the economy. Montreal remains the epicentre of COVID-19 in the provinces.

Leadership, communication and clarity are key, especially in unprecedented times like we are experiencing now with COVID-19. Governments need to reiterate strategies being adopted and to reiterate the government is in harmony with experts (recommendations and advice) or explain why they have chosen to champion alternatives.

Pascal Bérubé is currently serving as PQ’s interim leader. Quebec Liberals recently named Liberal MNA Dominique Anglade the new leader. Anglade is the first ever woman to run for the Quebec Liberals in the party’s 150-year history.

Political parties looking to advance their strategies for gaining electoral support, or keeping it, relies in part in gaining traction when opportunity presents itself, including dealing with fundamental political conundrums exposed by political opposition, recognizing a current crisis and using it as an opportunity to reform itself, reform its relationship with society, and recognize that the party itself is in danger of becoming politically irrelevant. The silver lining is that there is always an opportunity to engage the traditional electoral base while building a relationship with the undecided voters. Electoral viability depends on more people making an educated choice about who governs them.

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Jacqueline Biollo is a former elected official, a leading authority on innovative business solutions, and is a Principal Consultant with Aurora Strategy Group. (https://aurorastrategy.com/)

Comments from this article were quoted in the Epoch Times: https://www.theepochtimes.com/parti-quebecois-struggling-for-relevance-amid-declining-support_3347887.html