PQ leader Pauline Marois defended herself Sunday after coming under fire for singling out a CAQ candidate with underhanded comments about healthy lifestyles.
On Saturday, Marois said that “a health minister has an obligation to set an example,” a comment many took as a personal attack on Coalition Avenir Quebec candidate Dr. Gaetan Barrette, who is overweight.
If elected into a CAQ government, Barrette, a cardiologist and former president of the Federation of Medical Specialists seeking election in the riding of Terrebonne, would be named health minister.
“I just think that all Quebecers, myself included, should have good health habits,” she then said at a press conference Sunday.
Barrette, in response, called on all overweight Quebecers to respond to Marois by voting for the CAQ.
CAQ leader Francois Legault also commented on the issue.
“Personal attacks need to stop,” said Legault, “Especially aimed at someone’s physical appearance.”
Premier Jean Charest agreed on the matter, adding, “We expect better from Madame Marois.”
With a file from La Presse Canadienne
