Quebec’s community sector is expressing dissatisfaction over the return of Chantal Rouleau as Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action.
In a statement released Wednesday, the group “Le communautaire à boutte” and the Réseau québécois de l’action communautaire autonome voiced their “deep dismay and anger” over Rouleau’s reappointment.
Community organizations had hoped the new premier, Christine Fréchette, would use the formation of her cabinet to signal a change in direction.
With Rouleau’s return, they argue that “the premier is opting for the status quo at a time when a shift in direction is needed.”
Tensions between Rouleau and the community sector have been escalating for several weeks. Amid a strike movement, organizations went so far as to call for her resignation at the end of March.
They accuse her of a “lack of listening” and a “lack of openness to dialogue.” According to them, trust has been shaken and will be difficult to rebuild.
“This decision raises serious concerns about the premier’s ability to fully grasp the scope and reality of the issues,” said Mathieu Gélinas, co-spokesperson for “Le communautaire à boutte,” in a written statement.
“The distress signals coming from the community sector do not appear to be among her priorities, which is deeply troubling,” he added.
While they are openly unhappy with Rouleau’s return, community groups say they still hope Fréchette will respond to their demands.
They are calling in particular for the creation of a “genuine” negotiation table and are seeking a share of the $250 million left at the premier’s discretion in the latest provincial budget.
In a Facebook post, Rouleau said she is “proud” to continue her work as Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, a role she has held since 2022.
“I thank Premier Christine Fréchette and my colleagues for their renewed confidence,” she added.
In her new cabinet, sworn in Tuesday, Fréchette largely opted for continuity rather than a break from the Legault government era, with several ministers retaining their portfolios.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
