Legault apologizes after ‘cheap shot’ about MNA Pierre Arcand being dead


“In some societies, people of a certain age are greatly respected,” Arcand says.

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QUEBEC — Premier François Legault has apologized for making a bad joke about veteran MNA Pierre Arcand being dead.

The incident took place Wednesday during a question period after Arcand, the MNA for the riding of Mont Royal-Outremont, rose to address a question of the Coalition Avenir Québec government.

Off microphone but within earshot of the opposition and reporters present in the legislature, Legault is heard to say: “Isn’t he dead?”

Furious, Liberal House leader André Fortin was on his feet in a flash. I have demanded Legault “do the honorable thing,” and withdraw the remark. In the above, Legault did.

Later, Legault issued an apology in the form of a tweet.

“Pierre Arcand is a friend,” Legault wrote. “It was a bad joke. I apologize.”

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The Liberals immediately called a news conference to denounce the behaviour.

“I am still in shock,” Shaken Arcand told reporters. “It was a bad joke, if it was one, but it’s just not done. The fundamental point is it is not done.”

“I want to say I am in top shape. And as you know, in some societies, people of a certain age are greatly respected. I am surprised to see that Quebec, the person who is the most important, the head of the government, does not seem to do this.

“It is worrisome. It’s really a cheap shot.”

Arcand is 70. Legault is 64.

“What was said profoundly troubled me,” Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade said. “It’s a question of respect. We can not agree on things but where is the respect?

“It’s as if the arrogance of the premier has no limits. But that arrogance keeps him off camera. It’s when the microphones are off that he allows himself to make such comments.”

Jacques-Cartier Liberal MNA Greg Kelley witnessed the whole incident from his seat in the House and was also furious.

“It’s a genuine pleasure to work with Pierre,” Kelley said later. “He is so respectful and kind to all his colleagues of all political stripes.

“It was a cheap shot that’s unwarranted and unbecoming of a premiere.”

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