National Breaking News

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Parti Quebecois should use public funds to promote independence: Parizeau

By: The Canadian Press

Saturday, Mar. 2, 2013 at 3:15 PM | Comments: 0

Former Quebec premier Jacques Parizeau addresses delegates at the Option Nationale party congress in Montreal Saturday, March 2, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes.

MONTREAL - Former Parti Quebecois premier Jacques Parizeau is taking aim at the current party leadership, saying it should do more to promote sovereignty.

Parizeau, an influential figure who nearly led Quebec to independence in 1995, says the PQ government shouldn't shy away from using public funds to work toward independence.

The PQ recently denied charges from the opposition that it was using bureaucrats to develop a strategy to achieve sovereignty.

Parizeau made the comments at a Saturday meeting for the fledgling, pro-independence party Option nationale.

The 82-year-old continues to build ties with the new party.

Option nationale didn't win any seats in the last provincial election but promises a more aggressive pursuit of Quebec statehood.

This isn't the first time Parizeau has been critical of the PQ.

Last month, he called on Premier Pauline Marois to consider a policy of free tuition at Quebec universities, even though the government had ruled out that possibility.

At the Option nationale meeting, Parizeau told a packed hall that the goal of Quebec independence remains attainable — and that the PQ should be doing all it can to make it happen.

"For 15 years, I've heard successive leaders of the Parti Quebecois say, 'We will not use public funds to promote sovereignty,'" he said Saturday.

"Well, if you don't want to use public funds to promote sovereignty, why are you here?"

Jean-Martin Aussant, the leader of Option nationale, also took issue with the PQ's position, calling it an "abdication of leadership."

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments

You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.