Notably politicians from around the region were present to support his candidature. These include Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel, Hull–Aylmer MP Greg Fergus, MNA for Westmount–Saint-Louis Jennifer Maccarone, Warden of the MRC Pontiac Jane Toller, Warden of the MRC des Collines Marc Carrière and the mayors of the Municipality of Pontiac, L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Bristol, Shawville, Bryson, Fort-Coulonge, Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Alleyn-et-Cawood, Chichester, Sheenboro and Litchfield.

During the event many of the . . .

politicians in attendance endorsed Fortin.

Jane Toller hailed Fortin as the “champion of the Pontiac,” and said he was crucial to the reopening of the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand Bridge, as well as presenting various petitions to the National Assembly.

Toller also praised Fortin for his ability to facilitate meetings with ministers in the Quebec government despite being in an opposing party.

“It says a lot about his personality to be able to not only be a strong leader of the Liberal Party, but to be able to work with everybody, that’s how we move forward and get ahead,” said Toller.

Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel also lauded Fortin, specifically for his accessibility and partnership on various issues affecting the riding.

“He’s been very involved in initiatives that unites different MNAs, wardens and municipal officials. For example the green and prosperous Pontiac,” said Chatel. “I support him because he’s just the type of politician that is authentic and serves the people of his community.”

When asked after the event if Chatel was concerned that a another CAQ majority would hinder federal-provincial relations, she said:

“I hope not, but I think we really have to work together. Once elected, we represent everybody. Whatever their affiliation. They are our citizens and it’s our duty to represent them and to collaborate for their benefit to work with other levels of government. So to me, collaboration is key. Any MNA that has that will have my full support.”

During his speech at the event Fortin stated that his main priorities he is running on is improving access to healthcare and education services, addressing the rising cost of living, improving daycares and the economy.

In an interview after the speech, THE EQUITY asked Fortin if he had a response to Premier François Legault’s accusation that the Federal government will intervene on behalf of the Quebec Liberal Party, citing Fortin’s relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Fortin replied: “It probably just means I’m in his head. So if that’s the case, it’s a good thing. Premier Legault is looking to pick fights with the federal government. He’s looking to pick fights with anglophones, he’s looking to divide the Quebecers. But by doing so he’s actually going to prevent people from getting services, he’s going to prevent people from having all the rights that they are entitled to. And that’s his way of doing politics. That’s his way of choosing partisan politics over providing services.”

In terms of what Fortin thinks about the two new anglophone/minority rights parties, The Canadian Party of Quebec and Bloc Montreal, Fortin said:

“I’m not surprised that anglophones are getting organized to fight the government and to restore some of their rights. However, in my view, the only way to do it is to vote for the Liberal Party of Quebec, the only party that voted against Bill 21 and Bill 96. Because if you vote for a start up party, you’re essentially allowing the CAQ to elect more members and I don’t think that’s what anybody in this community wants.”

When ask why the Quebec Liberal Party is only promising to amend Bill 96 as opposed to repealing it, Fortin said: “In Bill 96, there are a few good things, namely free French classes for every Quebecer that wants them. Now we still have to get the details on it as to where, how and what frequency those will be available, but there are a few good things that I don’t want to throw out the window with Bill 96. But there’s a lot of egregious things that need to be removed from Bill 96. The use of the notwithstanding clause, anything that applies to health care, the cap on the number of students that anglophone CEPGEPs have anything to do with that six-month limit for immigrants. Those are all things that need to be removed from Bill 96.”

Fortin concluded by saying: “We’ll come out with specific promises over the coming weeks. I’m still talking to Pontiacers about their priorities, about what services they want to preserve and acquire in our region. But the campaign most definitely will be focused on housing, health care, our economy, which has always been at the forefront of my priorities and those that I hear from people in our region.”

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