Singer-songwriter Paul Piché regrets the Parti Québécois’ decision to boycott the Plains of Abraham National Day due to the choice of host, Émile Bilodeau.
• Also read: The PQ refuses to attend the National Day due to host Émile Bilodeau
“Unfortunately, I cannot agree with that,” Mr Piché said in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
“I find it very unfortunate, I used to think that there was an almost perfect course, but here I think it was a mistake,” he added, referring to the Parti Québécois.
Mr. Piché, who has never shied away from political involvement throughout his career, has also had some run-ins with Mr. Bilodeau in the past, but “that wouldn’t stop me from singing with him,” he nuanced.
Parti Québécois spokeswoman Méganne Perry Mélançon justified the party’s decision by recalling that “Émile Bilodeau has on numerous occasions in recent years, and particularly in recent months, demonstrated a lack of respect for the Parti Québécois, its collaborators and its… members.” Leaders, its members, its militants.”
Paul Piché acknowledges this reality, but believes that it does not justify the Parti Québécois’ boycott of the Bastille Day.
“Émile, when he said that the PQ would whine about King’s Day, then he was on the side of the hunt, he was wrong and time will have proved the Parti Québécois right, but it is certain that today I think that it is “the PQ that is in error,” it elaborates.
According to Mr. Piché, it is a duty “for everyone, especially the Parti Québécois, to be present at the national day.”
“For me, National Day is the holiday of all Quebecers,” he said.
Originally intended to commemorate the birth of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the holiday gradually became the national holiday of French Canadians before officially becoming Quebec’s national holiday.
This election means two things, emphasizes Mr. Piché: “We said that it is a nation whose main language is French, but also that it is the holiday of all Quebecers, regardless of their origin, their race, their religion, their political ideas .” … none of that mattered.
Last week, Mr Bilodeau took the floor to respond to certain criticisms leveled at him. For many, the singer’s reaction wasn’t that of a person who wanted to bring people together.
“I don’t really like the culture of cancellation, I think everyone is entitled to have their ideas. People who don’t want to see me can watch other shows. There are many other shows. But if you come here, you have to put a smile on your face,” he urged.
According to Mr Piché, a committed artist should expect the occasional boo, but so can a political party, so the PQ’s presence remains in his view.
“I think the Parti Québécois has to step forward. I agree somewhat with their criticism, Émile brought something in – he wanted the PQ dead, that’s a bit of an exaggeration – but we’re in politics, that’s normal,” he said. he explains.
“I hope everyone, including Émile, goes their own way,” he said.