Quebec’s three main political parties are insisting they’re the best choice for English voters.
Both the Parti Québécois (PQ) and the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) argue the anglophone community in Quebec is not being well served under the current Liberal government.
READ MORE: CAQ courts English vote, says it is ‘nationalist’ alternative to Liberals
“It’s new that the PQ and the CAQ recognize that the anglophone community and every English-speaking citizen in Quebec are Quebecers,” said Jean-Marc Fournier, Liberal House Leader.
“That’s good news. That’s the first time and let’s hope that tomorrow they’ll maintain that position.”
Opposition leaders had strong words about Premier Philippe Couillard‘s leadership when it comes to English-speaking Quebecers.
PQ Leader Jean-François Lisée pointed to Bill 86, the Liberals’ now defunct school board reform legislation as just one example.
READ MORE: Lisée called out for wanting English CEGEPS to cater to anglophones first
Anglophones rallied to get the government to scrap the bill, which they said contravened with their constitutional language rights.
The parties are hoping to attract the votes of 800,000 anglophone Quebecers.
At the CAQ party convention, leader François Legault argued anglophones have a real alternative as the CAQ has now committed in its constitution to stay in Canada.
READ MORE: ‘In Quebec, we speak French,’ CAQ proposes mandatory language classes for immigrants
On his end, Lisée has put aside the question of a sovereigntist referendum, at least for the first mandate of a PQ government.
He said he’s hearing more and more about English-speakers who said they will vote PQ because they’re fed up with the Liberals.
“They’re dismayed by the incompetence of the Liberal government,” Lisée said.
“They don’t like the aura of corruption. They see they’re not good for the economy. They see they are just inept.”
The opposition parties accused the Liberals of taking the English vote for granted.
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