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Former Bloc MPs to form new party called Quebec Debout

In this framegrab from video, Bloc Quebecois MP Rheal Fortin announces he is quitting the party caucus in Ottawa, Wednesday, Feb.28, 2018. The Canadian Press.

The seven MPs who left the Bloc Québécois earlier this year over differences with Martine Ouellet’s leadership have the name they want for their new party: Quebec Debout.

They say their goal is to return to the Bloc’s original mission, which was to defend Quebec’s interests in Ottawa and to let provincial sovereigntist parties in Quebec handle the independence issue.

READ MORE: Seven ex-Bloc Québécois MPs considering forming new party

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MP Rheal Fortin says he hopes to have the name registered with Elections Canada in a week.

The word “debout” is loosely translated as “standing up” and is often used by sovereigntist politicians to convey the message of defending Quebec’s interests.

The seven MPs quit the Bloc caucus in late February and cut all ties to the party earlier this month just two days after Ouellet accused them of spreading “fake news.”

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READ MORE: Embattled Bloc Québécois leader to face confidence vote in early June

They have repeatedly accused Ouellet of constantly zeroing in on independence instead of defending Quebec’s interests on the federal scene.

Ouellet, meanwhile, has refused to resign despite criticism of her leadership style, which has been described as controlling and uncompromising.

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