Legault's Exit: Quebec's Political Shift

0:00Quebec Premier, France while ago, just opened up about why he stepped down, even though he really wanted a third term. In interviews this week, he said the polls for his coalition-avenar Quebec party stayed flat, no matter what he tried. He announced his exit back in January and had his last day in the Premier's chair last Thursday. He explained he watched those polls closely through the fall, right up to Christmas, hoping for a turnaround with cabinet changes and a fresh economic plan. But nothing worked, so for the good of the party, he stepped aside to let a new leader take over before the October election. LaGault gave an emotional farewell speech in the legislature, and he'll stick around as a regular member for his assumption riding until the vote. Quebecer seemed to want a nationalist economic option without referendums, and he still sees the CAQ as that middle path between separatists and federalists. Looking back on his two mandates, he's proud of Quebec's economy outpacing the rest of Canada and boosting pride in Quebec identity.

1:01He wished he'd gotten more control over immigration from Ottawa, even pushing Quebecers to vote conservative federally in 2021. But that didn't pay an out. In wrapping up, LaGault regrets the messy split with his former health minister over a Dr. Bill rewrite. They haven't spoken since. Still, he's optimistic the CAQ stay strong on identity issues without going full independence. You've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.