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BROMONT — The lone member of the Quebec Liberal caucus mulling a run for the party leadership is welcoming news more candidates are apparently about to step forward.
But Frédéric Beauchemin, the MNA for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, has downplayed news some members of the party’s youth wing have signed a letter in favour of another potential candidate, Charles Milliard, the president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
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“I am excited about the party,” Beauchemin told reporters arriving for the second day of a Liberal general council here. “We’re talking about five potentially. There’s rumours of others. So if there were even a dozen it would be awesome because we could actually have a debate.”
Beauchemin, who said he was still thinking about running, noted to date the names emerging for the race, which will start in January 2025, are mostly from an economics background.
“It would be fun if we could actually have people from different backgrounds, as well as ladies. It would be fun if we could actually have representation from everywhere so we could actually have wholesome debate that covers everything.”
Beauchemin was reacting to news 81 members of the Liberal youth wing had signed an open letter saying they believe Milliard, a pharmacist, is the best person to lead the party.
“Mr. Milliard knows the regions, he knows the economic issues, he knows small business and the challenges we have to face in the future,” said Nicholas Proulx, the vice-president of the Liberal youth wing’s external affairs committee.
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Proulx said young Liberals recently met with Milliard, but he did not tell them whether he will run or not.
At several recent political events, Beauchemin arrived surrounded by members of the youth wing, giving the impression he had a substantial base of young Liberals.
Asked about the letter, Beauchemin said he was not surprised.
“There’s plenty of youth in Quebec,” he said. “In the 16 to 25 age bracket, there are 1.2 million. If you were to apply our latest survey (polling) numbers it’s about 185,000. There’s lots of youth in Quebec.”
Other MNAs, however, said they, too, hope the race lures women candidates.
“I would love a female candidate to run,” said Madwa-Nika Cadet, the MNA for Bourassa-Sauvé. “Our last leader was a woman (Dominique Anglade) and we need to pursue the fact there are women who want to run this party.
“I do think our history as a party and everything that we have done and said shows we are a party that is open to have women leaders. Half of our caucus now is composed of women. So if there’s a woman now that wants to raise her hand we will welcome here.”
“I hope there will be women,” interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay added as he walked in the door. “It’s important. There is still time.
“That being said, we are at the beginning of a very stimulating period for the Quebec Liberal Party. We will have a real race, five national debates. I think it’s a good thing for the Quebec Liberal Party, but Quebec as well.”
The council wraps up later Sunday with a speech by Tanguay.
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