Tags
Canada, Liberal, National Post, Parti Québécois, Pauline Marois, Philippe Couillard, Quebec, Quebec Liberal

Paul Vanier Beaulieu
Still Life, 1955
(Artwork with permission from La Galerie Walter Klinkhoff, Montreal)
Dear Readers,
I had a cataract removed this week. The operation was successful, but I haven’t been able to post blogs for a few days and must limit the number of hours I spend in front of a computer. However, I will attempt to post a revised blog. In the meantime, I thought I should send a little update on Quebec.
News
I have news to relay. Madame Marois, Quebec’s premier, has lost considerable support because she has imposed further taxation on Québécois: $300.00, whatever one’s financial status. She is also planning to send back to work people who are disabled or live on welfare. Obtaining financial help from the Quebec government is very difficult, despite the taxes Quebec residents have to pay to “two levels of government.” See Pauline Marois’ Offensive. Individuals receiving benefits have to prove they cannot work to the extent that people who should be receiving disability benefits do not. Besides, where would they find employment? Is anyone interested in investing in a Quebec led by Madame Marois’ Parti Québécois? Moreover, people are leaving the province.
a new leader for Quebec’s Liberal Party
More importantly, the Liberal Party in Quebec has chosen a new leader, Dr Philippe Couillard. It was not a huge victory, but Monsieur Couillard seems a good choice as leader of Quebec’s federalist Liberal Party. Moreover, if an election were called, which could be the case, the Parti Québécois would not get sufficient votes. This would help the Liberals. Madame Marois leads a minority government.
In brief conversations with persons I met during my trips to the hospital, I heard many express considerable disappointment with Madame Marois’ government. They know she obtained votes by giving students the impression that, as Quebec’s Premier, she would not increase tuition fees and that students may in fact receive a tuition-free education, including those who are impervious to instruction. I hope they also know that if tuition fees will rise by a mere $70.00 annually, it is, to a large extent, at an unacceptable cost to the elderly and to the needy.
Philippe Couillard would Sign the patriated constitution
The truly good news is that, if elected to the Premiership of Quebec, Monsieur Couillard would probably sign the Patriated Constitution, honouring the contract Quebec entered into when Canada became a confederation: the British North America Act, 1867. For Quebeckers, the priority is employment. It is unfortunate that they should be unable to see that the creation of jobs depends, to a very large extent, on Quebec’s place among Canada’s ten provinces. There has to be stability in Quebec.
SOURCES:
National Post: Couillard elected leader of the Quebec Liberal Party http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/03/18/graeme-hamilton-quebec-liberals-take-a-gamble-with-new-leader-philippe-couillard/ The National Post: Couillard contemplates signing the Patriated Constitution http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/03/20/kelly-mcparland-mulcair-and-couillard-contemplate-opening-constitutional-box-of-horrors/ The Globe and Mail: Quebec says, jobs not the constitution come first http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/jobs-not-constitution-top-of-mind-in-quebec-ottawa-says/article9977709/ Students remain defiant: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/05/17/jesse-kline-quebec-students-highlight-need-for-right-to-learn-provinces/ Ex-Student leader: Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/student+leader+Gabriel+Nadeau+Dubois+appeal+contempt+court+ruling/7489294/story.html Summit on Education: Martine Desjardins FEUQ http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/tag/martine-desjardins/ FEUQ: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Student+group+FEUQ+youth+wing+join+forces+ahead/8009059/story.html composer: Claude Debussy (22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) piece: Feux d’artifice (Fireworks) performer: Marc-André Hamelin (born September 5, 1961) © Micheline Walker 23 March 2013 WordPress
Amazing! Meantime, hope you are feeling 100 percent soon! 🙂
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Thank you TK,
I really love your posts. Congratulations!
Love, Micheline
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Thank you! 🙂 … now go give your eyes a rest!
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Be well soon. It is sad that so many Governments believe that economic miracles can be achieved by making life even more difficult for the disadvantaged and the disabled and the elderly.
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Dear Gallivanta,
The poor are our responsibility and the elderly should not have to worry about money.
Moreover, Madame Marois lied her way to the premiership and manipulated students who now think a tuition-free education is their due.
It is possible to receive a tuition-free education by working hard in order to write difficult examinations. Scholarships are available and there our associations who will sponsor students to an education.
What is happening at the moment is morally wrong. Until the next election, more affluent citizens will have to make sure everyone can buy meals and live under a clean roof.
Thank you for writing and take good care of yourself.
Micheline
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Funny, since the word cataract comes from waterfall and I always thought about Debussy’s music as being somehow ‘liquid.’ Have a nice recovery time. Wesley
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Yes Debussy is a little liquid (“Jeux d’eau”). You are absolutely right. But “Fireworks” is a different piece and not very many pianists can play it looking calm. Marc-André Hamelin is a bit special.
Thank you for writing. The eyes will be fine. I love being able to see without wearing glasses.
But I have been asked not to spend as much time in front of a computer.
It’s all good news, despite the restrictions.
Thank you Wesley,
Micheline
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Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks
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I am most grateful. Micheline
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Spot on with this write-up, I really think this web-site needs much more consideration. I’ll in all probability be again to read far more, thanks for that information.
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Thank you very much. Best, Micheline
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