Jacques Boissinot Archives The Canadian Press Solidarity MP Christine Labrie, at the National Assembly , in October 2021
Christine Labrie is the first candidate wanting to succeed Manon Massé who submitted her application to officially enter the race to become spokesperson for Québec solidaire. But his opponents assure that they are not far behind.
“We were confirmed that we were the first to have done it in the race. […] I find it very motivating to have succeeded in collecting signatures so quickly,” said Ms. Labrie in an interview with The Canadian Press.
However, one of his opponents, Ruba Ghazal, claims to already have the necessary signatures of members, but prefers to collect more. “It's always better to have more, because sometimes there are people who think they're members when they're not,” she says.
L The former solidarity elected representative for Rouyn-Noranda–Témiscamingue, Émilise Lessard-Therrien – who also wants to succeed Manon Massé – maintains that she is close to the goal. At the time these lines were written, she indicated that she was missing around fifteen signatures.
“In the coming days, I am quite sure that we will reach the objective of 500 signatures and a little more just in case,” she maintains.
The rules of the race indicate that the candidates must collect 500 signatures from members in good standing of the party represented in six regions and 20 constituencies.
A close race
Two months before the end of the race, the three candidates say they are hard at work convincing solidarity activists that they are the right choice. They all say they feel on the ground that the race will be close.
“It’s difficult to know where the members are staying. […] Many are indeed torn,” maintains Christine Labrie.
Same story with Ruba Ghazal. “Often people will say: ‘There are three of you good. We love you. It’s very heartbreaking,” she says.
“People developed a sort of almost personal connection with each of the three of us. It's certainly heartbreaking for them,” says Émilise Lessard-Therrien.
The vote for the next spokesperson will be done through delegates from the different solidarity associations. Ms. Ghazal also wants to work to put an end to this way of doing things. “This has to be the last time it’s a delegate, a vote. It will have to be one member, one vote,” she says.
Émilise Lessard-Therrien is the only candidate of the three not to have a seat in the National Assembly. She did not want to say if she was going to run for Québec solidaire in the next elections.
“It’s difficult for me. I couldn't commit and say: 'yes I'm going to run again'. By 2026, my life will have to take a different path to be able to feed my children and pay my mortgage,” she explained.
The new spokesperson solidarity will be elected at the party congress, which will take place from November 24 to 26.