Quebec Liberals pitch federalism as central platform
Charles Milliard positions party as clear alternative to sovereigntist Parti Québécois ahead of October election.
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Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard is staking his party's identity on unwavering federalism as it heads toward an October general election where it's expected to face off against the separatist Parti Québécois.
At the party's convention in Sherbrooke Saturday, Milliard drew a contrast with the Coalition Avenir Québec, which he criticized as indecisive on sovereignty. Recent comments from CAQ ministers illustrated the split: Labour Minister Jean Boulet said he would vote "No" in an independence referendum, while Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe said he would vote "Yes."
"On an issue as fundamental as the future of our nation, there can be no 'Noui' camps," Milliard quipped. He also took aim at PQ leader Éric Duhaime, calling him "completely out of touch with the realities of Quebecers" and pivoting to the Liberals' priorities: "We do not want to separate Quebec, we want to fix Quebec."
The Liberals' platform centers on economic issues — tax cuts for small and medium-sized businesses, cutting red tape, ending over-regulation, and tackling the housing crisis with 100,000 new housing starts per year. Milliard said his party would present a French-language protection plan he described as "better" than both the CAQ's and PQ's, though details remain unannounced.
The PQ currently holds seven seats and has been leading in recent polls, with the Liberals close behind. The October vote will test whether Milliard's federalist clarity can translate into seats.