François Legault participated in his final parliamentary session as premier at the National Assembly on Thursday morning ahead of his upcoming departure from office next week. Despite stepping down as premier, Legault will continue to serve as the Member of the National Assembly for L’Assomption until the Coalition Avenir Québec party elects a successor to take over as party leader and premier on April 12.
Reflecting on his departure, Legault expressed mixed emotions as he bid farewell to colleagues and reporters before entering the parliamentary session. He emphasized the importance of human relationships and acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with people. Following a round of handshakes and well-wishes, Legault made his way into question period, stating humorously that his departure was indeed a definitive farewell.
During his tenure as premier, Legault was known for his commitment to preserving Quebec’s French language and cultural identity, often championing legislation targeting immigrants. Notably, Bill 9, which enhances secularism in Quebec by prohibiting public daycare workers from wearing religious symbols and restricting public prayer, was passed after the parliamentary session on Thursday. Meanwhile, Quebec’s broader secularism law, Bill 21, is currently under scrutiny at the Supreme Court of Canada.
In his final speech as premier, Legault reflected on his achievements and expressed regret that his late father could not witness his success. He emphasized the importance of education and economic development in Quebec, highlighting the need to protect local industries from external competition. Addressing concerns about Quebec’s identity and immigration, Legault stressed the province’s right to safeguard its values while encouraging hope amidst political uncertainties.
Praising Legault’s dedication to Quebec, opposition leaders commended his transformative leadership and impact on provincial politics. They acknowledged his role in reshaping Quebec’s political landscape and fostering a sense of collective pride. Looking ahead, the future of the CAQ remains uncertain as leadership contenders Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville prepare to vie for the party’s helm in the upcoming October election, raising questions about the party’s trajectory post-Legault.