Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe says tide has turned in his favour following debate

TROIS-RIVIERES, Que. – Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe said he’s got the wind in his sails after Thursday’s French leaders’ debate.

Duceppe said he’s satisfied with his performance and believes the winds are shifting in his party’s favour.

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He promised a few dozen supporters that greeted him Friday during a campaign stop that he’d pick up the pace in the coming weeks.

Duceppe defended his party’s position on a niqab ban and argued it was not a divisive issue as suggested by the NDP, Liberals and Green party.

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The Bloc leader noted that 90 per cent of Quebecers have the same position as the Bloc.

Duceppe also said his position on face coverings is different from that of Conservative leader Stephen Harper.

“He is against the niqab during oaths; that happens once in a lifetime, just once,” Duceppe said of the prime minister.

“The rest of the time, voting with their faces covered, Harper has no problem with that. Services rendered or received in the public service with a face covering, he has no problem with that.”

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Duceppe is in Quebec City to meet Mayor Régis Labeaume and deliver a speech to the Federation of Quebec Municipalities.