New Liberal candidate in Mont-Royal—Outremont rips Legault government for Bills 21, 96

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QUEBEC — The new Liberal candidate for the riding of Mont-Royal—Outremont has come out swinging against the Legault government’s legislative record, from Bill 21 on state secularism to Bill 96 on language.

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“In my view, themes with a nationalist flavor or (focused) on identity, which divide us, should not occupy such a large space in the public debate,” Michelle Setlakwe said standing beside Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade and the outgoing MNA for the riding , Pierre Arcand.

Questioned further, Setlakwe reached into her past. Noting she attended an English elementary school before switching to French for high school and CEGEP, Setlakwe said she does not think being bilingual imperils French, which she agreed, however, needs protection.

“I am bilingual,” Setlakwe said. “I am not afraid of bilingualism. Yes there has been a setback (on the state of French). “We have to protect French. We all recognize it needs to be protected and it is at risk.”

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She said the key in language policy and other laws is finding the right balance, something the Coalition Avenir Québec government has failed to do with Bill 21 and Bill 96 overhauling the Charter of the French Language over the course of its four-year mandate.

“They are bills which, in my view, go too far, which violate the individual freedoms of certain communities and certain of our fellow citizens.”

To that end, she denounced the government’s use of the Constitution’s notwithstanding clause to shield both Bill 21 and Bill 96 from court challenges.

A former Town of Mont Royal municipal councilor and mayoralty candidate, Setlakwe arrives on the provincial political scene just as the Liberals step up efforts to solidify their base with non-francophone voters following their admitted mistake over CEGEP access at the Bill 96 committee.

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Born in Thetford Mines, the bilingual business lawyer, who has worked at the firm of Norton Rose for 10 years, will replace veteran Liberal Pierre Arcand, who announced Sunday he will not seek another term of office. Arcand, 70, has held the ride since 2007.

Arcand became the 11th member of the 27-member Liberal caucus to call it quits.

“With everything happening in the world today, I am more than ever connected to Liberal values,” Setlakwe said asked why she would choose the Liberals given their sagging fortunes.

“The respect of others, equity and social justice are values ​​dear to me. The richness of a society rests on its diversity and Mont-Royal—Outremont well represents this inclusive plurality, and a way of living together we can be proud of.”

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She downplayed polls showing the Liberals probably headed again for the opposition benches Oct. 3, insisting she will do all in her power to win the riding which, however, has a strong tradition of voting Liberal.

“The real poll is Oct. 3,” said Setlakwe. “I have been a Liberal since forever. I am running, I am going to the front. The message I have for all Liberals is come on home. Make your voices heard.”

She said so far she has yet to detect the arrival of two new minority rights parties that want to woo Liberal voters away.

“I really like when Dominique Anglade describes the Liberal Party as a big tent,” Setlakwe said. “We intend to govern for all communities.”

Setlakwe, who is of Armenian and French Canadian descent and a mother of three, said she is happy her parents sent her to English elementary school.

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“Kudos to my parents for such a wise decision,” Setlakwe said. “I strongly believe that we should encourage our children to be fluent in as many languages ​​as possible.

“Being open to the world and its different cultures and languages ​​is certainly not incompatible with protecting our French culture and heritage.”

Anglade said she is not too worried about the departure of so many members of her caucus, saying it will allow for a renewal and the addition of new faces.

Last week the Liberals announced Frédéric Beauchemin, a Scotiabank managing directorwill run in the riding of Marguerite-Bourgeoys to replace the departing MNA, Hélène David.

Anglade insisted the veterans who are leaving will still be helping the parties in other ways.

“That’s what makes the Liberal Party a strong party,” Anglade said.

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