Nelson Sergerie, LJi Journalist

OTTAWA – Alexis Deschênes, the Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj believes that the Speech from the Throne, read on May 27, by King Charles III, in Parliament, contains nothing for Quebec’s regions. 

In his first appearance in the House of Commons, Alexis Deschênes spoke on behalf of his party during an “Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.” 

“The Speech from the Throne gives no space to the interests of our regions. We are coming off an election campaign totally focused on the importance of protecting our economy from Donald Trump. Yet, the Speech from the Throne makes no mention of Quebec’s forestry industry and its needs in the softwood lumber dispute. It makes no mention of aluminum, one of the sectors hit by American tariffs. It makes no mention of fisheries, a sector as precious as it is fragile, whose exports are far too dependent on the Americans,” the MP asserted. 

According to him, the speech, read by a British monarch, could have been written in London, “It is so out of touch with the needs of Quebecers.” 

Meanwhile, moments before Mr. Deschênes’ first address to Parliament, members of the Bloc Québécois caucus welcomed his arrival in the House, and the MP also emphasized the trust placed in him by voters. 

“I will strive at every opportunity to live up to it and defend the interests of Quebec and its regions,” the MP promised. 

Furthermore, the MP has been named the Bloc Québécois critic for fisheries, oceans, the coast guard, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Bloc member sees this role as an additional role to that of Deputy House Leader. 

Mr. Deschênes said he has met with several fishermen, plant workers, and industry stakeholders in recent weeks and intends to remain attentive. Among his priorities, the elected official will seek funding for economic diversification missions, create an independent agency for the management of stocks, permits, and quotas, improve port infrastructure, and correct the injustices experienced by pelagic fishermen.