CHRIS LOWREY
AYLMER Aug. 26, 2018
Dozens of supporters packed into Pontiac MNA André Fortin’s campaign office on Aug. 26 to cheer him on as he launched his campaign for the Quebec election.
Fortin was introduced by MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller as well as Municipality of Pontiac Mayor Joanne Labadie.
“André believes in bottom-up consultation,” Toller said to a round of applause. “The Pontiac has been so lucky to have André Fortin.”
She touted his accomplishments – among them increased infrastructure spending and Shawville Hospital’s new dialysis unit.
Labadie touted Fortin as “our native son,” and a “rising star of the Quebec Liberal Party.”
“It’s gratifying to see that the Quebec Liberal Party sees in you what we’ve seen for so long,” she said.
Fortin then took the stage and started his speech by thanking his wife “for agreeing to go on this crazy adventure once again.”

He also thanked his volunteers, who clearly have been working hard if the elections signs around the region are any indication.
Fortin also thanked both Toller and Labadie for their words as well as the relationship they’ve formed while in office.
“Working with both of you is an absolute joy,” Fortin said. “Because you both have very clear ideas on what you want for our Pontiac.”
He also alluded to the progress that has been made in the Pontiac in the last few years.
“There really is a new momentum in the Pontiac,” he said. “New businesses are starting, there are so many investment projects on the table right now, young families are starting to liven our streets.”
He pointed to the roadwork on Hwy. 148, the new dialysis unit, the abattoir currently under construction in Shawville and the Residence Meilleur project on Allumettes Island.
“Now is not the time to stop that momentum,” he added.
He also pointed to the recent remarks by Coalition Avenir Quebec representatives who want to abolish school boards and replace them with “administrative committees.”
“Being the MNA of Pontiac comes with a responsibility,” Fortin said. “It comes with the responsibility of representing and speaking for minority language constituents and defending their rights.”
He echoed the comments made by Premier Phillippe Couillard who said that the Liberals will protect the rights of English speakers by fighting for the preservation of school boards.
“To anybody who proposes to lessen the rights of English-speaking Quebecers, or weaken their institutions, they will find me and they will find us in their way.”