JEAN CHAREST ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
FOR LIBERAL PARTY OF QUBEC LEADERSHIP
March 26, 1998
JEAN CHAREST ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
FOR LIBERAL PARTY OF QUBEC LEADERSHIP
March 26, 1998
Text of Jean Charest's remarks to reporters in Sherbrooke, as provided and in part translated by his staff. The text may vary somewhat from the version actually delivered:
Today I am announcing my resignation as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, effective April 3. I intend to run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party in the race to succeed Mr. Daniel Johnson.
For my family and me, this has been a most difficult decision. My wife Michele and I have been active and enthusiastic members of the Progressive Conservative party since 1983. Our personal convictions motivated this choice.
I was honoured to be elected four times as the federal member for Sherbrooke. I have held several portfolios, including deputy prime minister of Canada. I was a candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party, and I also campaigned in the 1995 Quebec referendum, which was so divisive for us Quebecers.
In the 1993 federal election, I was the only member of my party re-elected. In the weeks following that disastrous showing, I accepted the mantle of leader, along with the challenge of rebuilding Canada's founding political party, a party whose history is intimately linked to that of the country itself.
From 1993 to 1997, I criss-crossed Canada and, with the help of thousands of my fellow citizens, I worked hard to rebuild the Progressive Conservative party. Thanks to our efforts, the PC party today is modern, transparent and accountable to its members. In record time, we also succeeded in presenting to the Canadian people a party platform that included a solid plan for the future of Canada. A slate of young and dynamic candidates was recruited to run in 301 ridings.
And in the 1997 general election, the Conservative party regained its rightful place on the political scene. From two representatives we grew to 20, we received 19 per cent of the general vote - 22 per cent in Quebec - and the Canadian people clearly indicated their wish to see us in the federal Parliament.
I chose to lead the PC party of Canada because I believe it is very important that Canadians be offered the opportunity of supporting mainstream conservative ideas as is the case within the Progressive Conservative party of Canada. I also believe it is essential that our country have the benefit of a national conservative alternative.
I want to say a special word of thanks to the members of the PC party of Canada. In the last decade and a half we have tasted sweet victories and bitter defeats. For me, it has sometimes been a long, but never lonely, journey. At every stop along the way and in every part of Canada, without exception, I always found members of our party who would take me into their homes, who would encourage me, work with me and support our cause.
In our policies we have not always been right, though we were most of the time, but on one issue in particular we have never been wrong. We have always believed in the imperative of a united Canada. I leave my Progressive Conservative caucus colleagues with a heavy heart. I owe a debt of gratitude to my Senate colleagues and in particular to my trusted companion Elsie Wayne. The role of the Conservative caucus I leave behind is now more important than ever.
The Conservative caucus in the Senate and in the House of Commons is the heir to and the guardian of a political heritage that is essential to the survival of our federation. The Progressive Conservative party is a rallying point for the entire country, and it is a natural ally of Quebec.
I made my decision to seek the leadership of the Quebec Liberal party only after careful consideration. I would like to thank Quebecers all across the province, particularly those in my home riding of Sherbrooke, as well as Canadians from coast to coast, for their messages of encouragement and their warm wishes. Their support has touched my deeply.
I simpy cannot turn a deaf ear to the numerous appeals and expressions of support and encouragement that I have received urging me to come to Quebec and work directly to promote and defend the province's interests. Everywhere the message has been the same. Quebecers of all ages, from all regions, from all walks of life want to break free of those who have preached the same rhetoric for over 20 years. The old grievances and endless bickering cultivated and perpetuated by the Pequistes serve only to sap our strength. Our economy and our future are held hostage to a political debate that costs us so very dearly.
In the past 20 years, some 400,000 people have opted to leave Quebec. Among their ranks are young people, entrepreneurs and specialized workers. Quebec's unemployment rate, at 10.6 per cent, is 2 per cent above the Canadian average and 3 per cent higher than in neighbouring Ontario. Our pace of economic growth is sluggish. According to projections, in 1998 six of the 10 provinces, including Newfoundland, will enjoy higher growth rates than Quebec.
Right now Quebec suffers unprecedented levels of poverty and is reeling from a serious crisis in its health-care system. Of particular concern is the fact that young Quebec families are fearful for their future. Quebec's economic lethargy directly reflects the dampening effect of Pequiste policy. Their platform has two planks only: referendum and separation. More than ever, Quebec is divided: rich versus poor, regions versus cities, federalists versus separatists. Divided, Quebec is vulnerable.
Some have suggested that my candidacy is an opportunity to promote Canadian unity. Let me be blunt: Canada does not need a saviour, but a leader. If we are to promote Canadian unity, we must begin by rebuilding solidarity right here in Quebec. Quebec needs the kind of leadership that unites and motivates people.
I would like my leadership and the Quebec Liberal party itself to provide an opportunity to rally Quebecers of all political persuasions. I know from experience that the Canadian federation functions best when each government respects the respective roles and abilities of its partners. I want to state, loudly and clearly, that Quebec does not need anyone's permission to be what it is. I intend to reaffirm and vigorously defend the responsibilities of Quebec's National Assembly.
I am convinced that my personal choice is also the choice of Quebecers. This choice is ripe with promise and opportunity for all Quebecers. It is the choice to change things, to improve what we have, to march forward together, to work for the betterment of Quebec within this wonderful country called Canada.
The Progressive Conservative party of Canada that I have led and the Liberal party of Quebec have long been natural allies on many fundamental issues, such as free trade, the Meech Lake accord, and more recently our common opposition to the decision of the Jean Chretien government to pursue a reference to the Supreme Court.
But what allows me today to offer myself as leader of a party that has been headed by such great Quebecers as Daniel Johnson, Robert Bourassa, Claude Ryan, Gerald D. Levesque and Jean Lesage are the basic values we have in common. All of us are Quebecers who are proud to be Canadian.
However, let me be candid for a moment. I give you two warnings. First even as I speak the government of Quebec is preparing a campaign to discredit me personally. Quebecers will soon face an unprecedented barrage of propaganda. Second, Lucien Bouchard is ready to take a new tack, as is his wont. He will try by any means possible to strip the Parti Quebecois of its raison d'etre by reneging on his solemn promise to hold a new referendum as soon as possible.
Rather than eliminating political uncertainty, this tactic will merely guarantee a permanent state of weakness and instability. Do not let yourselves be duped by this subterfuge. Mr. Bouchard's mission remains the same, and it is Quebecers who will pay the price.
Never in my lifetime have I ever felt that there was a contradiction between being a Quebecer and a Canadian. I know Canada very well. Canadians from all parts of Canada, including provincial premiers, have encouraged me to make this choice. I welcome their encouragement and I now look forward to their support. My leadership cannot be a substitute for the responsibility we all share in making this country work.
Canadians have a great deal to be proud of. We have a country that is different from all others. We are destined to be a shining light in the family of nations and we shall soon reach the commanding heights if we are able to accept each other as we are and proudly stand side by side.
I have taken a major step today. I am confident that I am doing the right thing because I believe that I have something important to offer to Quebecers.
Now that I have accepted this invitation, it is my turn to invite all Quebecers to take a major step forward as well. Come join me in the Liberal party of Quebec and help me to build a new coalition, a new sense of solidarity, a new sense of hope.