By Michael Boriero
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) officially launched its electoral campaign on Tuesday, two days after Quebec Premier François Legault signalled the start of the campaign season.
However, the CaPQ, led by party leader Colin Standish, did not reveal the new provincial political party’s full platform. Standish told media at the press conference in Montreal that the platform will be unveiled at the end of the campaign. But there will be regular policy updates.
Standish outlined his party’s six principles: rights are rights, respecting the integrity of the Canadian Constitution, bilingualism, educational choice, prosperity for all Quebecers, rapprochement and reconciliation. And he also announced the CaPQ’s first major policy.
“Our marquee policy on language is not just the repeal of Bill 96, 21 and 40, these are critical to the human dignity of Quebecers, but we would like to enshrine an English Language Services Act, an ombudsman, a commissioner, and a minister of English Language Services,” he said.
Standish added that the minister would oversee an entire ministry dedicated to defending Quebecers’ English language rights. He also revealed that the party has 19 candidates, including Mark Gandey in the Orford riding, adding they are trying to attract more candidates.
Although Standish, an Eastern Townships resident, had no platform to stand on during the press conference, he denounced the failure of the current government, as well as every major political party in Quebec, to create a welcoming society, and instead supporting unjust bills.
He specifically blasted the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) for the enforcement of Bill 21, 40 and 96, as well as the government’s flippant use of the notwithstanding clause. Standish said that should the CaPQ come to power, he would unequivocally demand a full repeal of Bill 96.
