Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller said he believes that Quebecers “hate referendums” because of the division such a step can cause in society.
The Liberal MP representing the federal riding of Ville-Marie-Le-Sud-Ouest-Île-des-Soeurs in Montreal was asked Thursday about Ottawa’s preparations for the potential arrival of a PQ government on Oct. 5.
“First, Quebecers—myself included—must make their choice,” Miller said.
“I think what we’re hearing from Quebecers is that they want the different levels of government to work together,” he said. “That’s why they hate the idea of a referendum—because it’s immensely divisive and highly emotional.”
Miller did, however, make it clear that he is preparing for “all possibilities” following the Quebec election and that Ottawa is ready to “work with the incoming government, whether it’s a minority government or otherwise.”
The debates are done and the advanced voting begins this weekend. Sebastien Dallaire of Leger and analyst David Heurtel look at where the parties stand now.
The minister also made no secret of his voting intentions when he goes to the polls.
He admitted that he plans to vote for the Quebec Liberal Party candidate, Jennifer Maccarone, who represents his riding in the election—Westmount-Saint-Louis.
“That said, I have no close ties to the Quebec Liberal Party,” he added.
Miller also noted that he had “worked very well with Ms. Fréchette” when they were both responsible for immigration in their respective governments.
Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, Daniel Béland, analyzes the third and final debate ahead of the Quebec election.
“We didn’t always see eye to eye, but she’s a very hard worker,” he said.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
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