Curzi tells supporters he had no choice but to leave PQ

OTTERBURN PARK - Pierre Curzi met with his Borduas riding constituents Tuesday night in his first public appearance since he, Louise Beaudoin and Lisette Lapointe jumped ship from the Parti Québécois, a move that triggered the resignation of two more PQ MNAs in the past two weeks.

Curzi emphasized his move was made because he believed democracy was being skirted by the party, and that his desire to fight for sovereignty was coupled with one to fight for his principles.

"I had no choice," he told the crowd.

He reiterated his decision was based on his opposition to Bill 204 – the private members bill that would have shielded an arena management deal between Quebec City and Quebecor from legal challenges, even though it was reached without a call for tenders.

Curzi said he was unhappy there was no consultation among the party, something PQ Leader Pauline Marois has since admitted was a mistake on her part.

"We were therefore in a crisis situation," he said.

Curzi said he's not against bringing back the Nordiques, but when there's no democracy in the caucus, it goes against the fundamental principles of a free society.

The resignations of Curzi, Beaudoin and Lapointe have had a lasting effect on the PQ as the party holds a caucus meeting Wednesday north of Quebec City short six members, following the resignation of Benoit Charette on Tuesday and the mutually reached decision for René Gauvreau to step down.

Where does it leave the party?

"Honestly, I don't know if it's the beginning of the end," said Beaudoin, who also attended the event with Lapointe.

While she wouldn't commit to anything, Beaudoin did not completely shut the door when asked whether the trio could form a new sovereigntist option for voters.

"We'll see each other during the summer just to see the way we'll work in Quebec (City) in September, and then I don't know," she said.

Now, many PQ supporters are thinking of their next move too.

"It's 40 years this party has brought us nowhere," one constituent said Tuesday night.

But another disagreed with her MNA's decision to abandon the PQ ship.

"I'm a sovereigntist and I always think, Will my action be good or bad for the sovereignty of Quebec?" she said. "Right now I don't think his action is the best way for the sovereignty of Quebec."