Quebec election: Legault forced to defend COVID-19 rules in conservative riding

Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Francois Legault found himself on the defensive Tuesday, forced to justify his government’s strict COVID19 rules during a visit to a riding contested by the upstart Conservative Party of Quebec.

Beauce-Sud, south of Quebec City and bordering the United States, is located in a part of the province known for its conservative politics, entrepreneurial spirit — and particular disdain for Legault’s pandemic restrictions. The Conservatives were not a factor in the 2018 election, but under leader Eric Duhaime they have risen sharply in the polls since he started attacking the CAQ for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legault told reporters on Day 3 of the election campaign that he imposed strict COVID-19 rules — including a months-long curfew — to save lives, adding that most Quebecers appreciate how difficult it was to take decisions during that time.

“I took the measures that I thought best represented the common good,” he said. “It’s not easy making this kind of decision — I didn’t make it for pleasure; I did it to save lives.”

He said Quebecers were “extremely united” in the fight against the pandemic and showed high rates of compliance with measures — including by having one of the highest first-dose vaccination rates in the world.

Legault repeatedly declined to expressly name his Conservative counterpart; instead, the CAQ leader accused certain party leaders of wanting to bring anti-government discontent into the legislature.

“When you’re a leader — a party leader — you have a certain responsibility,” he said. “You can’t profit from a crisis like this to try to win votes with positions that are irresponsible.”