Live – Quebec election: François Legault says he’ll be a ‘unifier’ if re-elected

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François Legault says he’ll be a ‘unifier’ if re-elected

With another poll suggesting he’ll coast to a second mandate on Oct. 3, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader François Legault took a softer tone toward some of his opponents this morning.

He said he would be a “unifier” as premier, talking to opposition parties regularly about how to improve Quebec.

“I see my role as premier to bring people together, to work with the opposition,” Legault said. “There have some ideas on the environment, on protecting French.”

He said the Liberals, Québec solidaire and the Parti Québecois have good ideas on how to reduce greenhouse gases, though their overall plans are unrealistic.

“I’m open to discussions,” he said. “We are all working for the good of Quebecers.”

A reporter reminded Legault that during his first mandate, opposition parties regularly described him as arrogant.”

“I don’t think Quebecers see me as arrogant,” he responded. “In reality, I’m someone who listens.”

He said the COVID-19 pandemic made him “more humble.”

Amid the campaign, opposition parties have hammered Legault, suggesting he is divisive on issues such as immigration, language and Indigenous issues.

Watch the press conference:

Time to return to the fold, PQ tells sovereignists

Many sovereignists who are lifelong supporters of the Parti Québécois voted for François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec in 2018, while others have shifted to the pro-sovereignty Québec solidaire.

Struggling in the polls, the PQ is urging anyone who wants Quebec to become a country to return to the PQ fold on Oct. 3.

9 a.m.

Voters must use pencils on ballots, Elections Quebec says

With some social media users spreading conspiracies about the use of pencils on ballots, Elections Quebec is reminding voters that ballots marked with pens will be rejected.

Here’s what the provincial agency says about the use of pencils:

When you vote, the election officers provide you with a specific pencil, approved by Elections Quebec. This pencil has been repeatedly tested and chosen for its performance and because it is particularly well suited to the ballot paper. Elections Quebec uses this pencil to avoid rejections and to preserve the secrecy of the vote.

Since you place your own ballot in the ballot box and the box is sealed and monitored at all times, no one can change the mark you have made.

Lead pencil marks are not altered by water. This means that they remain intact if the ballots accidentally get wet (e.g., in the event of water damage), despite all the precautions we take.

Battle for second place tightens as CAQ headed toward majority: poll

Despite a continuing erosion of its lead in popularity, François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec remains headed for a majority government in the Oct. 3 general election.

Meanwhile, the fight for second place — and the role of official opposition — becomes even more intense, a new poll suggests.

Read our full story.

Duhaime flirting with official party status amid ‘distortion of the vote’

Éric Duhaime said his party could be in the awkward position on Oct. 3 of getting the second-most votes, but no seats in the National Assembly.

Read our full story, by Jason Magder.

Québec solidaire candidate pulls out of race after being caught swiping PQ flyer from mailbox

The Québec solidaire candidate for the Camille-Laurin riding in east-end Montreal has resigned from the race after a video was posted on social media that appears to show her removing a Parti Québécois flyer from a resident’s mailbox.

Read our full story, by Michlelle Lalonde.

What are the five major parties taking part in Quebec’s provincial election?

Here’s a look at the five parties vying to form Quebec’s next government.

Read our full story.

Election Guide: What you need to know about the campaign and voting

How do you check if you’re on the electoral list? Are you allowed to vote? When can ballots be cast?

Read our full story.

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ariga@postmedia.com

Read my previous live blogs here.

1. Quebec election: What you need to know about the campaign and voting

2. Read Andy Riga’s previous live blogs