William Crooks
Liberal MNA Désirée McGraw spoke with The Record at the Quebec Liberal caucus retreat in Orford on Jan. 21, emphasizing the party’s commitment to addressing key issues in the Eastern Townships

Liberal MNA outlines priorities at caucus meeting in Orford

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Quebec Liberal caucus retreat held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Orford on Jan. 21, Désirée McGraw, Member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Official Opposition Critic for the Estrie Region, emphasized the party’s efforts to reconnect with the Eastern Townships. Speaking from her temporary role as the party’s regional spokesperson, McGraw highlighted key challenges and opportunities identified during her frequent visits to the region.

McGraw underscored the purpose of the caucus retreat, explaining that it served as a platform to strategize for the upcoming parliamentary session while engaging with local stakeholders. “We spent yesterday on the ground all over this region, meeting with companies and organizations,” McGraw said, adding that the discussions centred on addressing pressing issues and bringing concerns back to the National Assembly.

Regional neglect and community resilience

One consistent theme in McGraw’s interactions with Eastern Townships residents was a sense of neglect under the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government. “People feel completely ignored and abandoned, whether it’s in healthcare, food security, or social services,” she noted.

McGraw pointed to the closure of certain healthcare facilities and the strain on the CHUS as glaring examples of the government’s shortcomings. She also described meeting with women’s organizations that expressed frustration over a lack of funding to support vulnerable populations, including immigrant women and single mothers.

“There’s a hidden face of homelessness here,” McGraw explained, citing the plight of older women and young mothers resorting to desperate measures, such as sexual exploitation, to secure housing.

Despite these challenges, McGraw praised the region’s resilience and innovation. She highlighted a local coffee company that has fully electrified its operations, becoming the first in the world to do so, and expressed admiration for its efforts to diversify its market amidst economic uncertainties. “Small businesses here demonstrate incredible dynamism,” she said, noting that 50 per cent of the company’s clients are based in the U.S., which presents both opportunities and risks due to potential tariff changes.

Addressing anglophone concerns

As an anglophone herself, McGraw highlighted the unique challenges faced by English-speaking communities in the Eastern Townships. Access to healthcare and social services remains a particular concern for seniors, who often find it difficult to stay in their region while receiving adequate care.

McGraw has actively collaborated with other Liberal critics to advocate for these communities, filing petitions and meeting with organizations to push for better services. “Anglophones in the regions face challenges that are often more pronounced compared to urban centres,” she remarked.

McGraw also acknowledged the perception among some anglophones that both the provincial and federal Liberal parties have left their concerns behind in an attempt to appeal to French-speaking voters. Addressing this, she said, “I identify with the Quebec Liberal Party because it’s the party that represents all Quebecers, regardless of their backgrounds or languages. We reject the politics of division.”

McGraw criticized the CAQ’s policies, such as Bills 96 and 40, which she argued target anglophone rights. “We’re the only party that voted against these bills because they abrogate rights rather than promote French through positive measures,” she stated, reaffirming the Liberals’ commitment to standing up for all Quebecers.

Leadership and party renewal

The ongoing Liberal leadership race also emerged as a critical topic during McGraw’s remarks. She described the party as unified in its goal of electing a strong leader to challenge Premier François Legault and the Parti Québécois. “We need a federalist leader to ensure Quebec remains a strong voice within Canada,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of defending federalism at a time when Quebec’s relations with Canada and the United States face significant challenges.

McGraw expressed optimism about the party’s future, crediting interim leader Marc Tanguay for maintaining cohesion during a transitional period. “We’re excited about rebuilding the party and electing a leader who can inspire confidence,” she said.

Looking ahead

McGraw expressed passion for the Estrie region as she reflected on her temporary role as the party’s regional spokesperson. “It’s an anomaly that there’s no Liberal MNA here. We’re working hard to regain the confidence of the citizens,” she stated.

She described the Eastern Townships as a region with a strong sense of identity and community. “People here pull together despite the challenges,” McGraw said, adding that this determination fuels her commitment to advocating for the region until a Liberal MNA is elected in 2026.

McGraw reiterated that her and her colleagues aimed to leave Orford with a renewed focus on addressing the concerns of Eastern Townships residents. For McGraw, these efforts represent not just political work but a deeply personal mission to rebuild connections and inspire trust in the region’s future.