ticatfan3
March 27th, 2007, 1:27:54 PM
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=b1c68a6e-9b03-4ef0-ad10-0447c974ed4e&k=73028
Les Perreaux, Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 Article tools
MONTREAL (CP) - Quebecers set aside the dream of independence Monday in a once-in-a-century election that pushed the province to the right after promises of private health care and a tougher approach to minorities.
While the Liberals won a slim minority, it was the Action democratique du Quebec's liftoff on a wave of populist anger that turned Quebec's legislature rightward. Canadians will get a referendum reprieve but the upheaval facing Jean Charest's government means nothing is certain a year or two down the road.
"Today Quebecers delivered a judgment, a severe one, and the Liberal party and I will have to learn lessons from it," Charest told his supporters in Sherbrooke, Que.
"This new assembly will test our political maturity and sense of duty. Quebecers decided to write a page of history tonight and put their politicians to the test. I accept this challenge."
With the 125 ridings settled, the Liberals had 48 seats, the ADQ 41 and the PQ 36, giving Quebec its first minority government since the 1870s.
The race for the popular vote was just as tight with the Liberals at 33 per cent, the ADQ at 31 per cent and the PQ at 28 per cent.
Mario Dumont's ADQ surged to second place in one of the biggest surprises in modern Quebec politics after he repeatedly told voters in the campaign he wanted the province to be more autonomous within Canada.
Dumont walked a fine constitutional line and was able to attract support from disenchanted federalists and sovereigntists alike.
The ADQ leader also struck a vein of discontent when he said the province should stop bending over backwards to accommodate minorities.
The party's strong performance pushed the separatist Parti Quebecois into third place
"This is a cry from the heart from the people that we heard tonight," Dumont told supporters at his campaign rally in Riviere-du-Loup.
"Quebec is entering the 21st century in terms of politics. This is a victory for all middle-class Quebecers.
"We now have a rendez-vous for the next step."
That next step may include Dumont's promise to fight for autonomy - a position that was mocked as weak and unrealistic by federalists and separatists alike.
Dumont said autonomy will allow Quebec to assert itself without separating.
"Our autonomist path is the modern response to what we have become in 2007," Dumont said.
"The autonomist path is above all faithfulness to Quebec."
In Montreal, PQ supporters chanted "We want a country, we want a country" as crestfallen Leader Andre Boisclair climbed on stage at party headquarters, pointing out the party didn't miss by much.
"Just a few seats separate us from power, a couple of thousand votes," Boisclair told the cheering crowd.
"Tonight it is democracy that has spoken."
Boisclair said the sovereigntist fire was a bit subdued Monday night.
1 2 3 next page
Les Perreaux, Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 Article tools
MONTREAL (CP) - Quebecers set aside the dream of independence Monday in a once-in-a-century election that pushed the province to the right after promises of private health care and a tougher approach to minorities.
While the Liberals won a slim minority, it was the Action democratique du Quebec's liftoff on a wave of populist anger that turned Quebec's legislature rightward. Canadians will get a referendum reprieve but the upheaval facing Jean Charest's government means nothing is certain a year or two down the road.
"Today Quebecers delivered a judgment, a severe one, and the Liberal party and I will have to learn lessons from it," Charest told his supporters in Sherbrooke, Que.
"This new assembly will test our political maturity and sense of duty. Quebecers decided to write a page of history tonight and put their politicians to the test. I accept this challenge."
With the 125 ridings settled, the Liberals had 48 seats, the ADQ 41 and the PQ 36, giving Quebec its first minority government since the 1870s.
The race for the popular vote was just as tight with the Liberals at 33 per cent, the ADQ at 31 per cent and the PQ at 28 per cent.
Mario Dumont's ADQ surged to second place in one of the biggest surprises in modern Quebec politics after he repeatedly told voters in the campaign he wanted the province to be more autonomous within Canada.
Dumont walked a fine constitutional line and was able to attract support from disenchanted federalists and sovereigntists alike.
The ADQ leader also struck a vein of discontent when he said the province should stop bending over backwards to accommodate minorities.
The party's strong performance pushed the separatist Parti Quebecois into third place
"This is a cry from the heart from the people that we heard tonight," Dumont told supporters at his campaign rally in Riviere-du-Loup.
"Quebec is entering the 21st century in terms of politics. This is a victory for all middle-class Quebecers.
"We now have a rendez-vous for the next step."
That next step may include Dumont's promise to fight for autonomy - a position that was mocked as weak and unrealistic by federalists and separatists alike.
Dumont said autonomy will allow Quebec to assert itself without separating.
"Our autonomist path is the modern response to what we have become in 2007," Dumont said.
"The autonomist path is above all faithfulness to Quebec."
In Montreal, PQ supporters chanted "We want a country, we want a country" as crestfallen Leader Andre Boisclair climbed on stage at party headquarters, pointing out the party didn't miss by much.
"Just a few seats separate us from power, a couple of thousand votes," Boisclair told the cheering crowd.
"Tonight it is democracy that has spoken."
Boisclair said the sovereigntist fire was a bit subdued Monday night.
1 2 3 next page