For the past seven years, whenever former premier François Legault’s administration introduced a controversial bill, he frequently defended it by claiming it reflected the desires of the majority of Quebec residents.
During a period marked by economic uncertainty, Legault pushed through several significant bills centered on identity politics, some of which have triggered protests and legal battles.
In a news conference on Wednesday, Legault cited Quebecers’ will as the rationale behind his decision to resign as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), the party he helped establish in 2011.
“I can see that, presently, many Quebecers are seeking a change primarily in leadership, among other things,” Legault stated. “I sincerely hope that the upcoming election will focus on the major challenges confronting Quebec rather than just a desire for change.”
The most recent Pallas Data poll, conducted between Jan. 9 and 10 with over 1,100 Quebec residents, placed the premier and his party at a mere 10% in terms of voter support.
However, the disillusionment among Quebecers towards Legault may derive from the perception that he prioritized Quebec identity issues over more immediate concerns.
Approaching the end of its second term, the CAQ, initially positioned as a “pragmatic” party and the best choice for overseeing the province’s economy according to Quebecers, appeared to fall short in addressing key voter priorities: their finances, education system, and healthcare.
Legault’s Emphasis on National Identity
Throughout his tenure, Legault’s government introduced legislation revisiting matters of national identity, mirroring themes central to the 1980 and 1995 sovereignty referendums, where a slim majority voted against independence.
When queried about his stance on the sovereignty movement, Legault, a former Parti Québécois MNA, often declared himself a nationalist.
Initially, as premier, Legault highlighted healthcare and education as rallying points for the CAQ.
However, in an effort to reaffirm the interests of what he termed the Quebec nation, he leaves behind several laws that have negatively impacted cultural and linguistic minorities, as per Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims.
