Charles Milliard says he wants to shift Quebec’s political conversation back to what he calls “bread and butter” issues as he takes the helm of the Quebec Liberal Party. In an interview with CTV News Montreal’s Mutsumi Takahashi on Thursday, the party’s new leader laid out five priorities: the economy, public services, culture, housing and the regions. Absent from that list were identity and language debates — topics that have dominated Quebec politics in recent years. “These are important issues in Quebec, but this is not the reason I’m getting into politics,” Milliard said. “When you look at different polls of what are the priority elements for Quebecers, housing, cost of living is up there, and not identity and separation.” On Bill 21, the province’s secularism law, Milliard said he is waiting for a ruling from the Supreme Court before taking further steps. Milliard also voiced strong support for English-language school boards under Bill 40 and pledged to meet with leaders from English-speaking communities across Quebec. A resident of the Eastern Townships, he said he understands the province’s diversity and wants to ensure minority rights are protected in health care and education. “I will be meeting them to ensure that I get their concerns,” he said. Positioning the Liberals as a unifying force, Milliard argued Quebec needs a strong government within a united Canada. “We’re all about talking to unify Quebecers. I know these are general terms, but in the coming weeks, I will be coming out with a plan to make sure that all Quebecers from all walks of life, all languages, all origins, feel finally free and at home in Quebec,” he said. Click on the video above to watch the full interview.
