Marois’ ministers and the metropolis
François Cardinal looks at how Pauline Marois’ cabinet choices reflect her feelings about Montreal, with some doubts whether it was wise to choose a man from Saguenay as transport minister – and, like others, whether appointing Jean-François Lisée to talk to the anglophones was wise.
Myself, I think the Lisée appointment is a huge joke (suddenly I picture him singing talk to the anglophones, walk with the anglophones) and look forward to many ironic and amusing situations while this government lasts.
Marc 08:45 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
But how much time can Lisée dedicate to that task? His main job is that of international affairs which means he’ll be spending most of his time jet-setting. A smart move on Marois’ part, who views him as a direct threat to her leadership.
jeather 10:55 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
Either this was a serious appointment, in which case Marois is far too stupid to lead a province, or it was a fuck you. I didn’t think Marois was stupid, but the move makes no sense. Placate the anglos by offering them a new political appointment, placate the extremists by making the offer someone who is anti-English (as a language, not as a group of people).
The whole thing is just weird.
Jack 12:16 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
I think appointing Lisee is brilliant political move for the PQ. Lisee was the first “opinion maker” to figure out how productive the english speaking minority could be for the PQ’s identity election strategy. The L’Actualite article he was in charge of creating and promoting hi lighted the oft used tropes of a fragile majority under threat from within and without. He has done good work in promoting fear.
Alex L 16:35 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
Give the guy his chance. Why does his appointment make such a fuss? Anti-english, really?
Clément 19:58 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
Wow, talk about shooting the messenger before he’s even had a chance to speak. I’m not a big fan of JF Lisée myself, but can he at least get the benefit of the doubt?
Can he do worst than the previous appointee in charge of anglo relations? Oh wait, there wasn’t one before.
Kate 21:59 on 2012/09/21 Permalink
Lisée has form when it comes to pointing the finger at anglos, it’s not like we’re saying “Random PQ guy! Anglos beware!” Of course Lisée also speaks English much better than his boss – better than some anglos I’ve known. Bright, complicated guy. It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, he comes up with for the anglo part of his mandate.
A view from Toronto.
walkerp 07:20 on 2012/09/22 Permalink
My god is that article and the comments that follw it an absolute clusterf*ck, encapsulating beautifully how ignorant and misinformed so many Canadians are around this issue. It’s a bunch of Ontarions and West Islanders freaking out over their non-victimization arguing with a smaller group of Francophones arguing about their non-victimization about an issue that is basically dead.
It just astounds me how many anglos outside of Quebec act emotionally on perceived wisdom that they get from the media. They just assume it is true! It’s insane. By their thinking, the language police should already be knocking on my front door.
jeather 11:55 on 2012/09/22 Permalink
Marois and Lisée have burned through their benefit of the doubt already. I’ll give the guy a chance in the sense that if he actually does anything good I’ll be happy to acknowledge it, but it doesn’t mean I have to assume he will do anything good (with the anglo part of his mandate; he is, as Kate pointed out, a bright guy and there’s no reason to think he’d do badly on international affairs).
What a particularly unpleasant article. I’m not even going to dare to wade into those comments.
Jack 12:12 on 2012/09/22 Permalink
@Alex @Clement did you read the L’Actualite issue, you know the one with the frog on the cover saying ,”Ici on parle English”.