Conservative Party

South Shore candidates face series of challenges

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

South Shore candidates face series of challenges 

Manuel Cardenas, Lévis correspondent

manuel@qctonline.com

Just days before the federal election, voters in the ridings of Bellechasse–Les Etchemins– Lévis, Lévis–Lotbinière and Mégantic–L’Érable were presented with new options regarding the candidates in their constituencies. The QCT spoke with five South Shore candidates to learn more about their commitments to the local population.

Three candidates from the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party and the Bloc Québécois in Bellechasse–Les Etchemins–Lévis expressed con- fidence that they were the person for the job.

Conservative candidate and incumbent Dominique Vien said, “Having served 15 years as MNA for Bellechasse at the National Assembly, including nearly 10 as a minister, and having headed four ministries, public governance is some- thing I know well. I also know what it’s like to be an elected official. I’m a native of Lévis and was also raised in Belle- chasse, so I know the riding I now represent very well. That experience alone prepares me well. I’m familiar with the English-speaking community on the ground, and I often meet them at various events. It’s a proud community, a very vibrant one in our region.”

Liberal candidate Glenn O’Farrell said, “The farm and the farmhouse that I own in Saint-Malachie have been in my family for five generations. That’s what allowed me to connect with the English-speaking community in my riding. I’m the fifth generation involved with that property, so we have deep roots, and I think what will help me most is that, through those roots, family ties and friendships, I understand how people are.”

Bloc candidate Gaby Breton emphasized, “I grew up in Bellechasse, then completed a bachelor’s [degree] in sociology and a master’s degree in administration, specialized in international project management and co-operative management, which led me to an international career promoting the co-operative model. I’ve worked extensively with communities to make them autonomous and independent. I have a strong understanding of geopolitics and speak several languages, which allows me to understand various realities, including that of the English- speaking community.”

Vien criticized former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s government for its handling of temporary foreign workers, which she believes limits access to essential labour for many local businesses. She also called for Canadian energy independence through the development of pipeline projects and mining. She expressed her support for the proposed third link project.

O’Farrell, for his part, emphasized that the most important issue is ensuring citizens of his riding are represented in the federal government, not in the opposition, which he said has been the case for the past 10 years under the Conservatives, preventing locals from having a real voice.

Breton stressed her desire for the federal government to respect Quebec’s choices and invest in Lévis. She said she wanted to improve services for seniors, protect local agriculture and the St. Lawrence River, promote sustainable mobility, and tailor immigration to regional needs.

In addition to Breton, O’Farrell and Vien, the candidates in the riding are Mario Fréchette of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC) and Marie-Philippe Gagnon-Gauthier of the NDP. Polling website 338Canada rates Bellechasse–Les Etchemins–Lévis a safe Conservative seat.

In the riding of Lévis–Lotbinière, Conservative candidate and incumbent Jacques Gourde voiced his support for the third link project.

“Our riding sits at the foot of the bridges, and we’re well positioned to understand the issues related to congestion. I believe this is a priority issue that must be addressed quickly,” said Gourde, who has represented the riding since 2006.

Gourde also expressed support for English-language education. “Many children in my riding attend English- language schools, and it’s very important they have that choice. It’s funded at both the provincial and federal levels, and we must always listen carefully to the needs of the riding,” he said.

Lévis–Lotbinière is considered a safe seat for the Conservatives. Five candidates are registered in the riding – Gourde, Molly Cornish of the NDP,  Ghislain Daigle of the Liberal Party, Pierre Julien of the Bloc Québécois and Pier-Olivier Roy of the PPC.

Finally, in the riding of Mégantic–L’Érable–Lotbinière, Conservative incumbent Luc Berthold prioritized the day-to-day concerns of his constituents.

“In this riding, as in many regions across Canada, the cost of living and the housing crisis are the citizens’ top concerns. Inflation caused by 10 years of Liberal overspending has made it harder for people to make ends meet. They want to keep more of their paycheque,” said Berthold.

He also highlighted the importance of the English-speaking community in the region.

“We’re fortunate to have an active English-speaking community in Chaudière-Appalaches, especially in Thetford Mines, with the presence of St. Patrick Elementary and A.S. Johnson Memorial High School. I regularly attend community events when I’m invit- ed, and I ensure that citizens receive all the services they’re entitled to, both through my office and federal agencies,” concluded Berthold.

Gabriel D’Astous of the NDP, Yves Gilbert of the Christian Heritage Party, Réjean Hurteau of the Bloc Québécois, Charles McKaig of the Liberal Party and Marek Spacek of the PPC are the other candidates in the riding. Like its neighbours, it is considered a safe Conservative seat.

With files from Ruby Pratka, LJI reporter

South Shore candidates face series of challenges Read More »

Election Q&A: The environment how will parties save our planet

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Environmental protection is a big topic among local voters these days. With increased mining claims being staked in our region, continued development near Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River and threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, what will your party to do conserve more green space, protect wetlands, and save threatened flora and fauna in our region?

Gilbert Whiteduck, New Democratic Party 

The rivers, land and all species should be sacred to everyone. To protect our environment, the Gatineau River needs legal protection and personhood, which is why I co-founded the Tenàgàdino Alliance: to achieve legal rights for the Gatineau River. I’m not opposed to development, but it must be responsible. Building a nuclear waste dump beside the Ottawa River is not responsible: Conservative and Liberal governments should never have allowed it to proceed. I’m also concerned about the recent explosion of mining claims in our region, which could lead to a destructive legacy.  The NDP was the first party – 20 years ago – to introduce a bill to protect Gatineau Park as an actual national park and prevent it from shrinking further, but the Liberals defeated it. As traditional guardians of this land, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community should become stewards of the park. This needs to be a collaborative effort. 

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada

My response might be surprising to some. On the environment, while the PPC is strongly opposed to the globalist approach to climate change, when it comes to local concerns we weigh towards the will of the community. Our principals have always been based on fairness, respect and responsibility. As to the questions raised, civic responsibility and respect for nature are areas we hold in high regard. The PPC belief is that citizens and municipal and regional governments are the best to work on finding the right fit to find the balance between those that are concerned and those who wish to develop. In human agency, just as in nature, a balance can be found for everything. We believe in the will of the people. If the people on the ground want it, good. If they do not, forget it. But never, no outside lobbyist to influence the outcome.

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party (Incumbent)

Protecting the natural heritage of Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi is a top priority for me. I led a conservation project with Kitigan Zibi that made our region the first in Canada with a roadmap to meet our international nature protection goals. This is the Kidjimaninan initiative, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to protect our region’s biodiversity. I co-led a bill to give Gatineau Park the legal protections it deserves, and I am committed to reintroducing it in the next session. This is part of my vision for a green and prosperous Outaouais, where conservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Under Mark Carney’s leadership, a Liberal government will go further by creating 10 new national parks, expanding Indigenous-led conservation, investing $100 million in freshwater protection and funding nature-based climate solutions that preserve wetlands, biodiversity and critical habitats. This is how we build a greener future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi.

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Protecting the environment has been the GPC’s raison d’être for the past 41 years. It has a very substantial popular support amongst Canadians of all stripes, but thanks to Canada’s dramatically flawed first-past-the-post electoral system, the GPC currently only has two MPs in the House of Commons.  Mining activities carried out within or even near populated areas severely undermine the citizen’s quality of life and the environment. In the same way, housing developments within park boundaries are very enticing for those who can afford them but are detrimental to the enjoyment of users who seek a connection with nature. Quebec may be the most environmentally responsible province, and many volunteer organizations struggle to protect the local environment. The GPC carries out targeted actions by fostering a network of like-minded organizations and citizens who aim to shape local environmental laws and programming by province and municipalities.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

Environmental protection is a priority for the Conservative Party of Canada, especially in regions like ours, where natural beauty and biodiversity are at risk. We recognize the importance of preserving green space, protecting wetlands and conserving threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, Gatineau Park and along the Gatineau River. Our approach is practical and science-based. We will work collaboratively with local communities, First Nations and provincial governments to protect ecologically sensitive areas, while supporting responsible development. We are committed to strengthening environmental assessments, promoting habitat restoration and empowering community-led conservation initiatives. Our goal is to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural treasures we value today. Conservatives believe environmental protection and economic growth can go hand-in-hand through smart, sustainable decision-making. By respecting nature and empowering those closest to it, we can build a greener, more prosperous future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi and all Canadians.

Election Q&A: The environment how will parties save our planet Read More »

Federal election Q&A: Bill 96 where parties stand on language

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Trevor Greenway

The Quebec government passed Bill 96, which restricts the use of English in businesses and public services, using the notwithstanding clause. This allowed the government to bypass the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bill 96 negatively impacts minority language constituents in their day-to-day lives, such as by restricting access to services. How would your party address this bill and/or improve the situation for the minority language population of this riding?

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Because of its language, culture and unique history within the Canadian federation, Quebec has a special status within Canada. On Nov. 22, 2006, a “Québécois nation” motion was tabled in Parliament by Stephen Harper, then prime minister of Canada. Five days later, on Nov. 27, the motion was approved, 265–16, with support from every party in the House of Commons. Living in a predominantly French-speaking “island” in an otherwise predominantly English-speaking North America (excluding Mexico), Quebecers have managed to this day to preserve their distinct character, language and culture. Like the Green party, Quebecers value inclusion, diversity and social democracy. The Green Party of Canada fully recognizes Quebec’s status as a distinct nation within Canada. We thus recognize the right of Quebecers to decide together their political and constitutional future, including the decision, manifested through their democratically-elected national assembly, to make French the only official language in Quebec.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

The Conservative Party of Canada is deeply concerned about the use of the notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights. Bill 96 has created real challenges for English-speaking Quebecers, especially in regions like Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi, where bilingualism is a way of life. A Conservative government would work constructively with Quebec to ensure that essential services such as healthcare, education and justice remain accessible in both official languages. We believe in protecting minority rights, supporting language duality and ensuring no one is left behind because of the language they speak. As your local Conservative candidate, I will be a strong voice for all residents of the Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi riding. I will always defend the rights of English-speaking communities and work to ensure they are treated with fairness, respect and equality, because language should never be a barrier to accessing services or opportunities.

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada (PPC)

The PPC is the best federal party to tackle the question of English minority rights within Quebec. We are the party of freedom of expression, protecting Canadians from censorship and discrimination. The PPC would repeal bad legislation on the federal level. For Bill 96 and the notwithstanding clause, we would review Bill C-13 “Act to amend the Official Languages Act” that our MP, Ms. [Sophie] Chatel, voted in favour of in 2023. This amendment tied a federal act to a discriminatory provincial act, bypassing the Canadian Charter of Rights. A very disappointing vote on her part. My record in advocating language rights is well documented. Like many other local businesses, I have in the past been served with papers from the Office québécois de la langue française (OLF) for a perceived social media violation. My resistance to being put on notice by the OLF was featured in a National Post article in 2024. 

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party (Incumbent)

Bill 96 has created challenges for anglophones in Quebec, including in Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi. The Quebec government pre-emptively invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from Charter challenges, raising significant concerns about its impact on fundamental rights. This use of the clause prevents courts from reviewing whether the law respects the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Liberal party believes in protecting both of Canada’s official languages and supports efforts to promote French in Quebec. But that must never come at the expense of people’s rights. No government should be able to bypass the Charter without accountability. A Liberal government will intervene in any Supreme Court challenge of a government’s pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause, as such use would effectively make the Charter of Rights optional. Defending the Charter is how we protect the rights of minority language communities, including in Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi, and ensure their voices are heard.

Gilbert Whiteduck, New Democratic Party (NDP)

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has recently stated that, if elected government, the NDP would not intervene if a challenge to Bill 96 reached the Supreme Court. I completely sympathize with those, including francophones and anglophones, who feel their native language is under threat. Through colonization, the Algonquin Anishininabeg language, Anishinaabwemowin, was negatively impacted. We collectively continue to work hard to preserve it, but it is still less well-known among some of our members than English or French. I deeply object to those who opportunistically use language politics to divide us. I believe the preservation and growth of our rich and diverse cultural heritages makes us stronger.  Knowledge and appreciation of different languages and cultures enriches us and shouldn’t come at the expense of our native languages. I support all minority language rights and would do whatever I can to protect and support them through federal legislation and financial support.

Federal election Q&A: Bill 96 where parties stand on language Read More »

Conservative candidate said he didn’t approve ‘best-looking candidate’ post

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Reporter

Conservative candidate for the Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi riding Brian Nolan says he did not approve a fake news post claiming that he was “Pontiac’s best-looking candidate.”

Nolan’s communications team posted a photo of The Equity’s front page from last week, but photoshopped it to read, “The Pontiac’s best looking candidate: Brian Nolan” with a heart penciled over Nolan’s photo. 

In an interview with the Low Down March 31, two days after the post went up on social media, Nolan said he did not approve the post, nor was he aware it was even made. 

“No, it’s not me, it’s the person that’s in charge of my social media,” said Nolan. “I was not aware of it.”

Nolan said he has had a busy week knocking on doors in the riding and “didn’t have a chance to check all my social media.” He said that after speaking with The Equity about the post, he asked if they wanted him to remove it. 

“I said, ‘Do you have a problem with it?’ I said I could remove it, I have no issue,” Nolan said he told The Equity. “I don’t know why it was there and who put it there, so I did my investigation and found that it’s the person that’s in charge of my social media. They put it there, and I never approved it, and I removed it since.”

Nolan confirmed that the post has since been removed. 

Canadians head to the polls on April 28.

Conservative candidate said he didn’t approve ‘best-looking candidate’ post Read More »

Few party candidates nominated in city as federal election looms

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , , , , , ,

Few party candidates nominated in city as federal election looms

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

With a federal election call expected sometime soon, only the Bloc Québécois has candidates nominated in all seven ridings in the Quebec City region.

The Bloc, with leader Yves- François Blanchet in attendance, introduced its slate at a news conference in the city on March 13.

In addition to its two incumbent MPs – Caroline Desbiens in Montmorency-Charlevoix and Julie Vignola in Beauport- Limoilou – the Bloc has nominated Simon Bérubé in the riding of Québec-Centre (formerly Québec), Christian Hébert in Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier, Valérie Savard in Louis-Hébert, Bladimir Labonite Infante in Charlesbourg–Haute-Sainte-Charles, and Martin Trudel in Louis-Saint-Laurent–Akiawenhrahk.

That latter riding is one of several in the country whose name has been changed to reflect Indigenous heritage.

Conservatives hold three seats in the region, and all three incumbent MPs are nominated to run again: Pierre Paul-Hus, the Quebec lieutenant of leader Pierre Poilievre, in Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint- Charles; Gérard Deltell in Louis-Saint-Laurent–Akiawenhrahk; and Joël Godin in Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier.

According to the party website, no other candidates have been nominated. Paul-Hus’s office had not returned a call by press time.

The Liberals are only slightly more advanced in finding and nominating candidates. The two incumbents are running again: Jean-Yves Duclos, recently excluded from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s slimmed-down cabinet, in Québec-Centre; and Joël Lightbound in Louis-Hébert.

The only other nominated candidate for the Liberals as of late last week was Denise Coulonval in Beauport-Limoilou. The seat has seen close three- way races between the Bloc, Conservatives and Liberals over the past three elections (2015, 2029, 2021).

A Liberal party official who asked to remain anonymous said there has been an increased interest in Quebec from potential candidates now that Mark Carney is leader and prime minister.

The New Democratic Party, which swept most ridings in the city in the “Orange Wave” of 2011, has nominated two candidates so far, both repeat candidates. Former Beauport- Limoilou MP Raymond Coté is making his second attempt since the 2015 election to recapture the riding. Tommy Bureau is running for a third time in Québec-Centre, after coming fourth in 2021 and 2019. The NDP won the seat in the 2011 election, ending the Bloc’s Christiane Gagnon’s 18-year hold on the downtown riding.

Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada has no seats in Parliament, but it has can- didates nominated in five of the seven ridings in the region. The Green Party, which has yet to elect a candidate in Quebec, has so far nominated candidates in three area ridings.

On the South Shore, Conservative incumbent Jacques Gourde and Liberal challenger Ghislain Daigle are nominated in Lévis-Lotbinière. In Bellechasse–Les-Etchemins–Lévis, Conservative MP Dominique Vien is nominated, as is Marie-Philippe Gagnon- Gauthier for the NDP.

Few party candidates nominated in city as federal election looms Read More »

Scroll to Top