'They don't want to make time for us': Students stung after CAQ and PQ sit out of Dawson College debate
Candidates from various Quebec political parties took part in an English-language debate at Dawson college Tuesday with topics ranging from climate change, to systemic racism, to identity politics.
But two parties were notably absent from the discussion: the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) and the Parti Quebecois (PQ).
According to Donal Gill, a political science professor at the junior college (CEGEP), the latter didn't even respond to the invite.
"The CAQ replied and declined to participate. The PQ didn't even bother to answer our invitations," he said.
Gill said the parties of Francois Legault and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon missed out on an opportunity to connect with young voters.
"I think it's really unfortunate. As a political science teacher, I'm always encouraging my students to see avenues of participation in our political system and get involved, and it's discouraging to see parties decline the opportunity."
To Dawson students like Kiana Lalavi, the move sends a clear message.
"They don't want to cater to the Dawson community, that they don't think it's worth their time," said Lalavi, who is a Dawson Student Union executive.
"Regardless of whether they get their votes here or not, these [students] are people they have to represent in government, these are people that are Quebec civilians."
Diana Rice, coordinator of the Dawson College Peace Centre, agrees.
"For them not to show up sends a big message that our students aren't valuable, the diversity of our students aren't valuable, and they don't want to make time for us, and they don't want to make time for the things that matter to our students," she said.
But their absence is perhaps not so surprising.
READ MORE: Quebec only issuing marriage certificates in French under Bill 96, causing immediate fallout
Much of the discourse around Bill 96, Quebec's new language law, was centred on its effect on English CEGEPs.
In January, the CAQ shelved Dawson's $100 million expansion project, opting to prioritize French schools instead.
The PQ was also against the expansion.
"If they can avoid being criticized for their policies regarding Dawson, by Dawson students -- well, they're probably going to feel that's time better spent," said Gill.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.