Bernard Drainville Pushes for Voting Rule Change in CAQ Leadership Election
Bernard Drainville is advocating for a rule change that would restrict voting rights in the upcoming Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership election to only Canadian citizens. The candidate aiming to succeed François Legault made his stance clear on social media, emphasizing the importance of citizenship for voting privileges.
Currently, individuals as young as 16 who have been Quebec residents for six months can become CAQ members and participate in selecting the new leader. However, Drainville believes this criteria should be amended to require citizenship.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Economy Minister Samuel Poulin, a supporter of Drainville in the leadership race, also urged the party to reconsider its rules. This call for change comes amidst a contentious discussion on immigration, with Drainville’s opponent, Christine Fréchette, pledging to revive the Quebec Experience Program for two years.
Poulin expressed concerns about non-citizens potentially influencing the election, stating that the current system allows individuals without voting rights to participate in choosing the next premier.
Drainville has challenged Fréchette to take a position on the issue, receiving support from Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette. Fréchette, in response, acknowledged the legitimacy of Drainville’s proposal, indicating her willingness to abide by any rule modifications decided by the party.
The CAQ emphasized that any changes to voting regulations must be approved at a members’ convention. Communications director Claude Potvin assured that stringent validation procedures are in place to prevent ineligible individuals, such as temporary foreign workers, from impacting the election process.
Keyphrase: CAQ voting rules
