By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) held a regional event titled “Staying Canadian” on Oct. 19 at the CNCB Velodrome in Bromont. The event, attended by approximately 25 people, was part of the party’s ongoing efforts to engage with residents of the Eastern Townships. Colin Standish, CaPQ co-leader, spoke on critical political issues and outlined his vision for Quebec’s future within Canada during an interview conducted shortly after the event.
Standish emphasized the growing political tensions in Quebec, particularly concerning recent provincial legislation. “Bill 21, Bill 40, and Bill 96 really restructure our society and country in illegitimate ways,” he stated, criticizing both the provincial and federal governments for their roles. Standish argued that the federal government has not only stood by but actively “assisted the province of Quebec in dismantling the Canadian Constitution and the Charter.”
Standish highlighted the potential for further constitutional crises, noting that these laws are likely to be contested in the Supreme Court in the coming years. He expressed concern about a possible Parti Québécois (PQ) government and a federal Conservative government lacking strong Quebec representation. “We’re heading into very dangerous waters,” he warned, stressing that these forces could lead to renewed debates on Quebec’s sovereignty.
The event in Bromont featured various speakers, including Standish’s co-leader Myrtis Fossey and former Equality Party leader Keith Henderson. They discussed the possibility of an 11th province if Quebec’s sovereignty movement gains traction. Standish explained that, similar to past referendums, communities within Quebec might vote to remain part of Canada. “There’s a legal, legitimate, constitutional way to actually have these debates,” he said, advocating for a federal referendum to determine which areas of Quebec would choose to stay Canadian.
