A member of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), Marie-Louise Tardif, has spoken out in defense of Gilles Bélanger. This comes after Bélanger announced his resignation from the party following his exclusion from the council of ministers. Tardif criticized the current treatment of deputies, stating they are not being utilized to their full potential based on their skills.
Criticism of Gilles Bélanger’s Situation
Gilles Bélanger, former Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs and representative for Orford, previously supported Christine Fréchette in the CAQ leadership race. Following his resignation, he will serve as an independent member of the National Assembly.
In his resignation message, Bélanger expressed disappointment over the government’s inability to prioritize digital importance. He stated, “I believed that things could change quickly, but I do not sense the ambition that is unfortunately perceived as a risk.” He also pointed out issues with the digital health file, noting various obstacles he faced, particularly regarding his public-private partnership project with CGI.
Concerns Over Digital Initiatives
- Bélanger faced challenges in implementing his CGI partnership due to significant reservations from the Treasury Board and the UPAC.
- His efforts to improve cellular coverage were severely hindered despite the success of high-speed internet initiatives.
In her response, Tardif expressed her regret over Bélanger’s struggles during his tenure. She emphasized that it was disheartening to see him fight repeatedly to advance his projects, particularly regarding the CGI collaboration, although she clarified that her opinion was personal.
Future of Governance in Quebec
Tardif made her statements just before the inaugural meeting of the newly established Council of Regions. This council, initiated by Premier Christine Fréchette, has altered longstanding practices by eliminating dedicated ministers for each region, except for Montreal and Quebec. Instead, a group of about ten CAQ deputies will convene under the leadership of Mathieu Lévesque, the delegated minister for Regions.
It’s worth noting that Tardif is not a member of the Council of Regions, with Simon Allaire representing Mauricie instead. She has been an elected official since 2018 and has never served in the cabinet.
