[ 23 October 2008: Message edited by: martin dufresne ]

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QUEBEC -- Premier Jean Charest has put to rest persistent rumours about a possible fall election in Quebec in the wake of Tuesday's federal election results.

The Liberal Premier, who in the past few weeks had refused to rule out a snap election, now says he wants time to deal with the impact of the global financial crisis on Quebec.

"Our priority remains the economy," he said repeatedly on Wednesday when asked about a possible election.

Calling a vote now appears too risky for Quebec Liberals despite their strong lead in public-opinion polls and a 60-per-cent approval rating. The federal campaign showed the economic downturn was making voters nervous and unpredictable.
"No one knows for sure what to expect next from the global financial crisis, and the prospect of having a campaign sideswiped similar to what happened to Stephen Harper's Conservatives is certainly a major factor Mr. Charest had to weigh before deciding on calling an election," said Laval University political scientist Réjean Pelletier.

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Rheal Seguin, "Quebec Liberals hatch plans for snap election," Globe and Mail, October 23, 2008.

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QUEBEC — Senior Quebec Liberal strategists met this week to devise a plan for a snap vote this fall over fears that a global recession could hurt the party's chances next year.

Liberal organizers have been ordered to be on high alert as strategists meet to evaluate the party's finances, the degree of readiness of riding associations, potential nominations and, more important, the pros and cons of an election so soon after a federal campaign.

“All options are still on the table. A fall election can't be ruled out just yet,” said a party organizer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Organizers estimate that Premier Jean Charest has a two-week window to work with before it would too late to have a vote before the Christmas holidays. Liberal caucus members want an election sooner rather than later, fearing the negative political fallout of a major economic slowdown.

One possible scenario would have Mr. Charest lead the Council of the Federation economic mission to China during the first week of November and call an election immediately after his return for a Dec. 15 vote.

He was still basking in the glory of last week's Francophonie summit, for which he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper were co-hosts. The summit helped elevate his stature as he held a series of bilateral meetings with heads of states including French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The China mission would serve to enhance his image as a statesman and a national leader, capable of defending Quebec's interests at home and abroad.

He purposely distanced himself from the Tories' unpopular right-wing policies during the federal campaign, and this week at a meeting of premiers warned Ottawa against fighting the economic slump by cutting transfers to the provinces.

Another potential pre-election manoeuvre would have Finance Minister Monique Jérôme-Forget announce new measures to deal with the economic downturn when she tables the province's economic update next week. “I have significant reserves for 2009. You will see it in the economic update,” she asserted yesterday.

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He really was just having breakfast.

A Parti Québécois MNA's apparently innocent decision to pull off Highway 20 in Drummondville to grab some breakfast yesterday sparked fears in the Action démocratique du Québec of a fresh raid on the party.

The hotel in which Richelieu MNA Sylvain Simard had his bacon and eggs, Le Dauphin, is next door to the one where the ADQ was holding its general council.

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Radio-Canada a appris que les Québécois iront aux urnes le 8 décembre. Le premier ministre Charest dit que la décision n'est pas prise mais que l'opposition a « mis bien des bûches dans le poêle ».

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The opposition parties in Quebec City are joining forces in a last-ditch effort to avoid a possible provincial election in December.

The two parties have presented a motion in the national assembly calling on Premier Jean Charest not to call an election this fall.

Mr. Charest has complained the Action Démocratique du Québec and the Parti Québécois are refusing to co-operate with the government.

But the leaders of both opposition parties maintain they are ready to work with the minority Liberal government if it presents a plan to reduce the impact of the current economic crisis.

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http://tinyurl.com/5z93yv

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The former leader of Quebec's Green Party has switched allegiances and is running for the Parti Québécois.

Scott McKay has announced he'll carry the PQ banner during his campaign in the riding of l'Assomption, in Montreal North.

McKay — an environmentalist and water specialist — said he grew disillusioned with the Greens after losing the leadership race last March ...

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Originally posted by toddsschneider:
"Former Green leader running for PQ"
http://tinyurl.com/5z93yv

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Originally posted by genstrike:
Does anyone have any idea if Quebec Solidaire might do better this election? (ie: win a seat) If I remember correctly, they almost won a seat in Montreal last time.

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No - Françoise David (co-leader) came second to the PQ candidate in Gouin, but the spread was still more than 3000 votes if memory serves. It was huge, but not "almost won".

I have no clue how they'll do this time. The Green Party defection may have a negative impact on Green votes, but given where they were strong, they might just as easily go to the Liberals.

Hey Lagatta - any predictions as to QS strength this time?

[ 08 November 2008: Message edited by: unionist ]

[ 08 November 2008: Message edited by: martin dufresne ]

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Originally posted by ghoris:
For the Quebec residents on the board, where does this election seem to be going? From afar it appears that the ADQ will likely slip back to third party status again and the PQ will bounce back somewhat ... the question, it seems to me, is whether those deserting the ADQ flock to the PQ or divide between the PQ and Liberals, in which case one would think Charest would be on track for a majority.

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That`s it. I`m changing my vote:

"I am what I am, Marois admits"

http://tinyurl.com/63kvy6

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People say she wears too many scarves or that she seems to have a lot of splashy jewellery. Others say she talks like a rich person and seems, well, a bit snobby ...

Marois said she is not fan of phony last-minute political makeovers, either. "I'm being sincere. I am not acting. I will not change my behaviour" ...

There were other points in the document, leaked to La Presse and produced by advisers who also tapped into focus groups. Marois does not give good television clips. She does not think quick enough on her feet. The lack of English is a problem. Her past record as a minister - she has held most portfolios in the government - will come back and haunt her.

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Yes, QS stands for Québec sovereignty, mostly for reasons of democracy from below and self-determination, not nationalism. But it is rather obsessed with deliberation and democratic process - certainly not inclined to force an "élection référendaire".

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Originally posted by unionist:
I'm a federalist, I voted (and will vote) QS, I have voted PQ and BQ (except the last federal election and byelection where I voted for Mulcair). Views on sovereignty are not the be-all and end-all. Unity is possible irrespective of such future wishes.

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So is separation, even from this planet.

I did a search of the QS declaration of principles. It doesn't even mention the word Canada.

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Originally posted by unionist:
No - Françoise David (co-leader) came second to the PQ candidate in Gouin, but the spread was still more than 3000 votes if memory serves. It was huge, but not "almost won".

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Originally posted by toddsschneider:

I did a search of the QS declaration of principles. It doesn't even mention the word Canada.

Apparently Quebec is separate already? Who knew?

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Originally posted by toddsschneider:
I did a search of the QS declaration of principles. It doesn't even mention the word Canada.

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Originally posted by Aristotleded24:

Why should it? Is there a provincial party anywhere in Canada whose declaration of principles does?

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Of course there is.

"Constitution of the New Democratic Party of Ontario"

http://tinyurl.com/6q97fk

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The provincial Party will unite progressive people and organizations into a party democratically controlled and openly financed by its membership. It will, with all the resources at its command, extend the policies and program on a provincial level of the New Democratic Party (of Canada). It will endeavour to establish in this province a government whose object shall be to substitute economic planning for irresponsible control with all its unjust consequences and thereby to give maximum opportunity for public, co-operative, and private enterprise to contribute to the development of our province. To this end we will invite the co-operation of all persons who are dedicated to the extension of freedom, the abolition of poverty and the elimination of exploitation.

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Originally posted by martin dufresne:
And of course she has this problem of toddschneider's jaws locked shut on her butt.

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That comment of yours must have been lost in translation.

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Originally posted by toddsschneider:
Of course there is.

"Constitution of the New Democratic Party of Ontario"

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