Legault blasts his critics, says he won't shy away from defending Quebec language and culture

"We are on the the same wavelength as Quebecers are — not a few analysts who say the contrary and associate this with racism."

CHIBOUGAMAU — François Legault says he makes no apologies for his staunch defence of Quebec’s language and culture despite accusations that the Coalition Avenir Québec is intolerant.

Wrapping up two days on the hustings here in the riding of Ungava and on the second-to-last day of his campaign, Legault gave himself top marks for his effort. He told reporters he believes he hit on the themes Quebecers care the most about over the last 35 days including fighting inflation, the economy, education and the environment.

But he was most passionate when he spoke about identity themes. The week was marked by a stumbles on immigration by his outgoing minister, Jean Boulet, who recently said that “80 per cent of immigrants go to Montreal, do not work, do not speak French or do not adhere to the values of Quebec society.”

Legault himself said it would be “suicidal” for the Quebec nation to admit more than 50,000 new arrivals a year.

It started over breakfast with a group of local business leaders and local politicians.

“Some people said Legault said this, or that,” Legault told a group. “I think the majority of Quebecers want us to protect our language and values.

“We are on the the same wavelength as Quebecers are — not a few analysts who say the contrary and associate this with racism.”

Moments later, meeting the media, Legault elaborated.

“Some people tried to do amalgamations with the fact I want to defend Quebec values and the French language,” Legault said. “Being nationalist means we are going to defend the French language.

“The CAQ government adopted Bill 21 and 96. There are some who don’t like this. They are what the majority of Quebecers want.”

He refused to name any of the analysts he referred to.

“If the shoe fits, wear it,” was his response.

Asked which values he wants to defend, Legault was coy.

“I am not venturing into this,” Legault said. “You know what happens when I try.”

He refuted the idea he has run a poor campaign, with numerous stumbles, insisting Quebecers think he ran best campaign of the five big players in the field.

A recent Léger poll, however, indicated only 11 per cent of Quebecers thought he ran the best campaign. The candidate who ran the best campaign, the poll said, was Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois.

“I don’t think it’s a gaffe to defend Quebec values and the French language,” Legault said. “I think I did it well. It’s not an easy subject but it’s important to tell the truth to the population.”

He returned to an old theme: that Quebec needs to get more powers from Ottawa over immigration, especially when it comes to the selection of temporary workers and new arrivals under the family unification program. At a May policy convention, Legault made it an election issue, saying he wants a strong electoral mandate from Quebecers to push his case.

On Saturday Legault remained vague on how he intends to follow up on the issue but would not rule out any option to show Quebec’s political will including a possible sectorial referendum.

“It’s not in the plan but I’m open,” Legault said.

Legault also revealed he intends to complete his four-year mandate should Quebecers elect him Oct. 3 and has not ruled out seeking a third term in office if he feels the people support him and his health is good.

And he said despite impressions he was grumpy in this campaign, he had a good time.

“It’s spin,” he said. “I’m as happy as in 2018 (the last election year). I’m in a good mood and anxious for Monday night (election night).”

pauthier@postmedia.com

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