Tom Mulcair: For Quebecers, another election year dawns

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For those of us who enjoy commenting and analyzing politics, the past few years have provided a shame of riches.

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We have had one provincial election and two federal elections in just over three years (not to mention Plante-Coderre II…).

Of course, not all citizens share our enthusiasm.

And now, just when you thought you had every election you could run in, ta-da … we’re back in an election year, and a provincial vote is expected this fall.

Polls have consistently shown that support for Prime Minister François Legault remains incredibly high. It reminds me of Lucien Bouchard’s stratospheric numbers in 1998 after the ice storm. I was then among the official liberal opposition leaders, led by Jean Charest, and it was overwhelming to see Saint Lucien so high above us. We couldn’t imagine how we were going to catch it.

Bouchard won the election that fall, thanks to our first-pass voting system, which gave him the most seats. At the same time, it was kind of a humbling experience for him, because we Liberals got more votes.

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There is a similarity in the extreme nature of the ice storm and the pandemic, although their duration or the number of deaths cannot be compared. Journalists rarely asked difficult questions, the public was docile and, to quote our minister of public security, “docile.”

Then, as now, Quebecers gathered and listened to every word their prime minister had to say. Back then, Bouchard was with Hydro-Québec’s turtleneck boss at daily press conferences. They inspired respect and trust. Today, Legault can count on his excellent Minister for Health, Christian Dubé, to explain and try to keep an anxious audience aside.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the biggest challenges for the government emerged when it took a yo-yo approach to restrictions. The public cared less about demanding rules being followed than knowing why and for how long. The general and most compelling answer has always been the need to ensure that the health system does not collapse.

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Now, for the first time, Quebecers are backing down in considerable numbers. Those who are questioning the renewed curfew cannot be branded as wacko and disgruntled who do not understand it.

The government game is not at its highest level and the constant back and forth on everything from daycare rules to whether or not you can walk your dog at night is beginning to strain that bond of trust that has maintained everything. together for two years. .

Next month we begin our third year of the pandemic. Of loved ones dying, alone and in horrible conditions in long-term care homes. Of children who miss much of their education and social life. From concerned families. Of lost business.

The pandemic may well be behind us by the time next fall’s election rolls around and Legault’s numbers will eventually start to come back down to earth, as Bouchard did in 1998. There will be a time of reckoning for the pandemic’s performance last. place in Quebec, but other political issues will also be central to the campaign.

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Major social problems such as affordable housing will once again occupy a preponderant place, an issue that Québec’s solidarity will hit. People concerned about climate change will see Quebec’s greenhouse gas figures as a cause for concern, and both liberals and QS will focus on that. Liberal leader Dominique Anglade will do his best to talk about the economy, which remains fragile even if there are hopeful signs of recovery. Language will continue to be a big problem and an occasion for the Parti Québécois to undermine Legault’s armor.

Another choice! That is the price of democracy!

Tom Mulcair, a former leader of the federal NDP, served as Minister of the Environment in Jean Charest’s liberal Quebec government.