'I want to push the limits of what's possible!' proclaims Quebec solidaire MNA
After parliamentary leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois laid his cards on the table on Wednesday, it was Sol Zanetti's turn to set out his vision for Québec solidaire (QS).
Uncomfortable with his leader's label as a pragmatist, he believes that the party should not be afraid to "step outside the box," nor try to "meet the demands of the full-time machine," but rather "push the limits of the possible."
While acknowledging that debates will be necessary within his party, Zanetti remains cautious about attacking Nadeau-Dubois.
However, in a letter copied to The Canadian Press, he writes that QS must make a difficult choice if it is not to "lose any more Catherine (Dorion) and Émilise (Lessard-Therrien)," two women who have criticized the leadership style of the cherished Solidaire parliamentarian.
"I refuse to personalize this affair or reduce it to a gang war," said Zanetti in his first public appearance since the shock resignation of Lessard-Therrien on Monday.
QS has been in crisis ever since she stepped down as co-spokesperson just a few months after being elected. In a message explaining the reasons for her departure, she criticized Nadeau-Dubois - without naming him - and the "small team of professionals tightly knit around him."
On Wednesday, the Solidaire parliamentary leader came to present his vision, saying he wants QS to become a "government party" with a more "pragmatic" program and a leaner structure.
"The word 'pragmatic' has a negative connotation for some on the left. I don't want to use that term to define myself, but at the same time, I don't want to reject it either," said Zanetti in an interview with The Canadian Press.
"I don't recognize myself in this dichotomy. I'm someone who wants to make things work and push the limits of what's possible," he said.
Zanetti is not alone in feeling uncomfortable with the term pragmatist. Although he calls himself a pragmatist, MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard seemed intent on keeping his distance from the term this week. The party's new interim co-spokesperson, Christine Labrie, on the other hand, fully embraces it.
In his letter, Zanetti said that "since Day 1," he wanted QS "to be a party of government, but not a party or a government like the others."
He also wants the party to find solutions to ensure greater equality between the two spokespersons.
The Jean-Lesage MNA believes that the party should not be afraid to do things simply because they may not be popular: "We need to take that risk more often. And that's something we're all capable of doing. Gabriel is capable of doing that," he said.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 4, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.