As Quebec politics become more polarized, the CAQ is taking steps to avoid being squeezed out.
As is wraps up a two-day conference in the Beauce, the party said more clearly than ever that it believes in Canada – or the idea of Canada.
The party spoke about a referendum; not a referendum to separate, however, but one to renew Quebec's relationship with Canada.
CAQ Leader Francois Legault said he wants a new deal with the federation, with Quebec gaining more power over language, immigration and environmental protection.
Legault said the Liberals are too subservient to Ottawa while the PQ is harping about an imaginary country that Legault said Quebecers are convinced they do not want.
Once a PQ cabinet minister and an ardent sovereignist, the former businessman said he, like many Quebecers, has moved on.
He added, though, that the current labels ‘federalist’ and ‘sovereignist’ don't fit the CAQ.
“The word ‘federalist’ in Quebec is attached to the status quo for Quebecers. It means no change. We want to change the situation. We would like to see a stronger Quebec with powers including for language and immigration – but within Canada,” he said.
The party said it will develop its position more clearly by this November, with details about its proposal for a new Canadian constitution and about a proposed referendum on the new deal.
