(Montreal) Sherbrooke member Christine Labrie starts the race for the position of the next Québec Solidaire (QS) co-speaker. The politician wants to succeed Manon Massé and bring Quebecers together on a “common project”.
Posted at 10:20am.
Coralie Laplante The Canadian Press
The MP announced this at a press conference in Sherbrooke on Monday morning.
QS social services and mental health spokesperson wants to present “Québec Solidaire’s social project”.
“The voice I want to bring to politics is that of unity. I want us to take the time to listen to each other and join forces on a common project,” she said in an interview.
Supporting MNAs for Taschenreau, Étienne Grandmont, and for Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne, Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, were present at the announcement to offer their support to Ms. Labrie.
Christine Labrie says she sees a divided society in the province. “What I’m noticing right now in Quebec is that there are a lot of social divides, a lot of people who don’t feel included, who feel left out,” she says, adding that she wishes “that we take care of that.” Weave our social web well so that no one escapes.”
The MP, who was QS spokesperson for education from March 2019 to August 2022, wants this issue to be at the heart of her priorities when elected co-speaker.
“I carried this suitcase for several years. That is the core of my political commitment, she says. A society that promotes equal opportunities begins with education. »
Ms. Labrie is also a spokesperson for QS for Seniors. She wants to highlight her “concern for inclusion” which “encompasses all generations” and focuses on issues affecting older people. She believes that this is a part of the population that is often left out.
“The desire of many seniors is to continue living and aging in their community. Where they grew up, where they lived, where they get involved,” she explains. According to Ms Labrie, this wish is difficult to achieve due to the lack of home care, as well as transport and suitable housing for seniors.
“Often they are uprooted from their community, in high-rise buildings where almost only elders live. That’s not necessarily their primary goal,” she continues.
Christine Labrie says she is inspired by Manon Massé, who announced last month that she is stepping down from her position as QS co-spokesperson. However, Ms Massé will retain her duties as an MP.
“Manon has been able to remain very authentic despite attempts by many to pigeonhole her or keep her out of politics. And I find that very inspiring,” said Ms. Labrie.
Three confirmed candidates
The new QS co-speaker will be elected at the federal party conference in November. The party’s other co-speaker is Gouin’s deputy, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.
Last week, former Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue riding member Émilise Lessard-Therrien confirmed that she is running for the position.
A few weeks ago, Mercier member Ruba Ghazal also announced that she is in the running.
Christine Labrie was a history lecturer at Université de Sherbrooke and a doctoral student in women’s studies at the University of Ottawa when she was elected MP in 2018. The mother of three also has a master’s degree in history.
Ms. Labrie was elected for a second term in 2022. Since December 6, 2022, the MNA is also Vice-Chair of the Public Administration Committee.
She participated in the investigation of 11 bills and introduced a bill to combat sexual violence in schools in 2021, as we can read on the QS website. From August 2021 to August 2022 she was also the leader of the party’s parliamentary group.