SURROUNDINGS
BETTER : The Montreal COP15 agreement to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Photo: AFP
Steven Guilbeault
WORSE : Trudeau’s cabinet, including Steven Guilbeault, approves the massive Bay du Nord oil exploration project, a ticking time bomb in a sensitive marine ecosystem.
JUSTICE
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Judge Lucie Rondeau
BETTER : Two courageous Chief Justices, Lucie Rondeau of the Court of Quebec and Marie-Anne Paquette of the Superior Court, which is subject to federal jurisdiction, are doing everything in their power to save our justice system, the backbone of our democracy.
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Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette
WORSE : Criminals are released without trial because of too long delays. It takes up to two years to get access to small claims. There is a sore shortage of staff and other officers. The system is in shambles at both the provincial and federal levels, and Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette seems as incapable of finding solutions as his Ottawa counterpart David Lametti.
INTERNATIONAL
BETTER : Three members of the Parti Québécois decide to say “no thanks” and refuse to take the oath to the king of a foreign country.
Photo: AFP
Vladimir Putin
WORSE : Vladimir Putin is launching a genocidal war against Ukraine, violating all international rules.
DIPLOMACY
BETTER : Trudeau, who is abroad challenging the Chinese President for his interference in our elections.
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Justin Trudeau
WORSE : The same Trudeau comes home and says he doesn’t actually know anything about Chinese interference in our elections…
ECONOMY
BETTER : The Quebec government continues to have one of the best economic records in Canada.
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Pierre Poilevre
WORSE : Pierre Poilievre tells Canadians that cryptocurrencies protect against inflation, but over the past year Bitcoin has lost 65% of its value.
PUBLIC SERVICE
BETTER : The people on the front lines of our healthcare system during the pandemic. Their everyday heroism begins to be understood and appreciated. Let’s hope Quebec takes this into account in its negotiations.
WORSE : Trudeau retains some ministers who should have been replaced. Unable to issue a passport, manage immigration or manage air travel creates a general impression of incompetence and an overhaul is needed.
HEALTH
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Minister Christian Dube
BETTER : The appointment of Christian Dubé.
WORSE : The inability of most provinces to engage constructively in finding a new funding formula. Quebec seems more open and could agree quickly.
IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION
BETTER : 90% of people living in the greater Montreal area can hold a conversation in French, a summit.
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Minister Jean Boulet
WORSE : Jean Boulet’s racial untruths about immigrants, which Legault says disqualifies him. Shortly thereafter, Legault renewed his confidence by appointing Boulet to the Council of Ministers…
SPORTS
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Martin Saint Louis
BETTER : The appointment of Martin St-Louis as head coach of CH.
WORSE : HockeyCanada. The omission of facts about player sexual assault is a national disgrace to our national sport.
INTEGRITY
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Dominic Anglade
BETTER : Dominique Anglade leaving the helm of the SS Minnow, also known as the Liberal Party of Quebec, with his head held high.
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Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon
WORSE : Pierre Fitzgibbon is still Minister, with Legault’s full confidence, despite his numerous mistakes and ethical investigations.
I wish you ONLY THE BEST for 2023!
