This was the expression Queen Elizabeth II used to describe the year 1992, a year in which misfortune struck the British monarchy.
You could say that 2023 is François Legault’s annus horribilis.
January: Sophie Brochu announces her resignation as President and CEO of Hydro-Québec. In the health sector, sit-in strikes by nurses are increasing in various hospitals in Quebec.
February: Quebec receives a sixth of what it asked for in health care from the federal government, and this failure is largely attributed to François Legault, who is accused of neglecting Canada’s interprovincial relations for too long.
March: Crisis at SAAQ. Minister Guilbault tries to clarify the situation while Minister Caire defends himself and even demands praise.
April: Withdrawal on the third link. It is announced that this oft-repeated election promise will not be kept. Bernard Drainville is crying, the MPs are angry and the population is angry.
May: Members’ salaries increased by 30%. The unions have a strong argument to justify their demands in negotiations with the government.
June: The wildfire crisis mobilizes the entire government, which must coordinate rescue operations, evacuations and the arrival of international aid.
July: Surprising resignation of CAQ MP for Jean-Talon. A by-election must be called as long as voters have not yet come to terms with the setback on the third link.
August: Chaotic start to school when we find out that 4,000 teachers are missing. We are looking for “adults” to teach.
September: Mayors unite on the issue of homelessness. Cities accuse the government of not doing enough to curb the problem.
October: Disgusting failure of the CAQ in Jean-Talon. The third link is revived in a spontaneous statement. The first days of the strike are announced.
November: Economic update stating that there is no longer any financial scope for action. A few days later, a $5 million grant to host the LA Kings was announced. The FAE launches an indefinite general strike.
December still needs to be written and analyzed, but the collective agreements have not been signed and the children are still at home.
If this isn’t an annus horribilis…