Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Saint-Hubert) released the following statement in French earlier today. We have translated his statement into English:
Something important is happening in Québec right now: Quebecers -- progressive or more conservative, federalists and sovereignists -- realize that the climate emergency is the most important issue of our time.
As a Quebec MP, I've proudly defended Quebec's consensuses in Ottawa. Like nearly half of Quebecers, and like many candidates in all political parties, I voted for Quebec’s independence in 1995. But as a federal MP over the last 8 years, I have never advocated for independance in the House of Commons. That position won't change -- because I firmly believe that debate must happen in Quebec, not in Ottawa.
I have one, and only one, objective in seeking to represent the people of Longueuil—Saint-Hubert with the Green Party in our federal parliament — to work together, across party lines, in a war cabinet with all political parties to help win the battle against climate change. Our climate has no borders. We can only save our climate that if we work together, across this country, to help achieve Canada's Paris targets.
I am not asking federalists or sovereignists, or supporters of the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc or NDP, to throw away their beliefs. I am inviting Quebecers to put aside their differences for this election — in 2019 — so we can work together for our common future and for our common survival.
No issue is more important than that one. Scientists have warned us that we have less than 18 months to make the needed policy changes to preserve a liveable planet.
Quebecers understand that we are all in the same boat, and have a chance to play a major role for our planet on October 21. It’s time we put away our differences, and work together for the planet we have in common.
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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206
rosie.emery@greenparty.ca