François Legault, this latecomer in everything he says and plans, had promised the National Order of Quebec to Michel Côté, Monument to Quebec Culture, who left us on Monday.
Michel Côté was very much loved by his people.
Like a national Jack Nicholson who could step into anyone’s shoes, he was a popularizer of the Quebec soul, both in his caricatures and in its more nuanced aspects.
An artist who has touched the hearts of our generations through his talent and personality.
- Listen to the live broadcast of the meeting between Gilles Proulx and Richard Martineau every day at 10:50 am QUB radio :
Too little too late
So, like all of Quebec, I am saddened that such a great artist has to leave so soon, but most of all I am outraged that he was not given this honor during his lifetime.
Keep in mind that the Ordre national du Québec is the highest award bestowed by the government and is very rarely awarded posthumously.
However, we had known for some time that he was ill, so I ask the question: why did you dally around until it was too late?
And in front of those who were promptly awarded for having contributed little to Quebec’s rise in the end?
Missed opportunity
While he later professes his noble intentions, François Legault cannot hide the reality of a sadly missed opportunity to pay tribute to this true Quebec gem.
Nor does that omission prove that the selection of the candidates was based not on their merits but on a calculation.
A calculation that is not the responsibility of a decision-making body, but of the Prime Minister, who has the last word.
Because in Quebec, of course, we reward ourselves, but only if we don’t make too many waves.
And while it is unfortunate that politics has taken on our duty to remember, the people they made laugh and cry will never forget Michel Côté.
