The suspense is over. Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette sought to put an end to the rumours on Friday. He will indeed be running as a candidate for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in the upcoming elections.
“Several rumors have been circulating about me in recent days. The decision to enter politics—and in my case, for the fourth time—is one that must be carefully considered. I am pleased to announce this morning that I will be a candidate in the next election alongside Christine Fréchette’s team, for the Coalition Avenir Québec,” he wrote on his Facebook page early this morning.
At a press briefing on Thursday in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Fréchette was unable to confirm that Jolin-Barrette would be on the ballot for the upcoming campaign.
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“Discussions are currently underway. Simon is a very important member of our political party. He has always held key positions and will continue to hold very important roles within my party,” she stated at the time.
Associated with the CAQ’s “blue faction,” Jolin-Barrette is the architect of nationalist legislative initiatives, such as Bill 21 on secularism and Bill 96 on the French language.
During the last parliamentary session, he attempted to pass a Quebec constitution. The controversial bill, however, died on the order of business due to opposition from the other political parties.
During the race to succeed François Legault, Jolin-Barrette had supported Bernard Drainville, who is also associated with the nationalist wing.
Drainville ultimately lost to Christine Fréchette, who is more closely associated with the CAQ’s “red” and federalist faction.
Jolin-Barrette has represented the Borduas riding since 2014.
The election campaign is set to begin next week. Voting will take place on Oct. 5.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
