SHE wanted to introduce the racist and bigoted charter of values in Quebec to harass minorities, but Quebeckers on Monday booted out Premier Pauline Marois’ Parti Quebecois, and Marois even lost her own seat and resigned as party leader.
Quebec Liberal Party under Philippe Couillard won a majority with 70 seats in the 125-seat National Assembly. The PQ got only 30, the Coalition Avenir Québec 22 and Quebec Solidaire three.
SFU School of Public Policy Professor Doug McArthur credited the unexpected Liberal landslide victory, as opposed to a minority win, to two things. He noted: “The election result was clearly driven by young voters under 45 years of age who didn’t want to hear about sovereignty and separation. As many younger voters in Quebec are much more supportive of multiculturalism than their older counterparts, they also didn’t support the PQ’s proposed values charter.”
SFU Professor Patrick Smith said the reigning Parti Quebecois’ unpreparedness had a lot to do with its downfall. He pointed out: “It seems like they spent more time on recruitment than making sure they are on message.”
PRIME Minister Stephen Harper said: “Quebecers have chosen to elect a majority government led by the Quebec Liberal Party.
“On behalf of our Government, I would like to convey my sincerest congratulations to Philippe Couillard on his election victory.
“The results clearly demonstrate that Quebecers have rejected the idea of a referendum and want a government that will be focused on the economy and job creation.
“We look forward to working with the new Government of Quebec on those priorities.
“I would also like to thank the outgoing Premier, Pauline Marois, for her public service.”
PREMIER Christy Clark said: “Like most Canadians, I have been paying close attention to the provincial election in Quebec.
“The Canada I have lived and worked in, the country that I am humbled to represent around the world, includes Quebec.
“I look forward to working with Premier-elect Couillard at the Premiers’ table on our shared goals: building a proud, prosperous and inclusive Canada.”
THE World Sikh Organization of Canada said the result affirms what Sikhs living in Quebec have always believed, that the people of Quebec are fair minded and share their vision of an inclusive society which respects people of all faiths and backgrounds.
WSO Quebec Vice President Mukhbir Singh said, “The Sikh community in Quebec and across Canada would like to thank the people of Quebec for unequivocally voicing their support for an inclusive and respectful vision of Quebec society. Today’s result is a rejection of the politics of division. Quebeckers want to focus on the real issues such as the economy and building a stronger Quebec. The strategy of trying to divert attention from these real issues by targeting minorities has resoundingly been thwarted.”
WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “Tonight’s result is a testament to the fair-minded people of Quebec who have sent a strong message that they will not tolerate the exclusion and marginalization of minorities in Quebec society. We wish Phillipe Couillard all the best as he becomes the next Premier of Quebec and encourage him to continue on the path of building a welcoming and tolerant society. In addition, we would note that the Parti Quebecois has a history of openness and inclusiveness and we would encourage them to return to those roots.”
BY RATTAN MALL
