Gilles Bélanger- Coalition Avenir Québec

Bélanger described himself as someone who can execute a plan, not just come up with ideas. With a decade of experience with large companies optimizing management and efficiency, Bélanger said he and his party are well qualified to ‘lead the show’ in Quebec.

The environment is a primary concern for Bélanger.

“I think we underestimate what will happen,” he said, referring to water quality in lake Memphremagog and the affects of climate change. “It needs to be high on the priority list,” Bélanger said, explaining that any development projects should include environmental considerations. He said projects should include a 15 per cent investment in the environment.

Regarding the needs of Anglophones, Bélanger said he has experience working with English communities, and is bilingual.

“English communities tend to be ignored. I will not,” he said. While the English population in the riding is under 20 per cent, Bélanger said “for me, it’s 50/50 at the table.”

If elected, Bélanger said his first priority would be to compile a list of short and medium –term requirements from citizens, and come back with a concrete plan to address those needs. In the long term, Bélanger said he would work to help Quebec become independent economically. In Bélanger’s view, water will be the most important resource in the next 50 years and its protection is extremely important from an environmental and economic standpoint. Beaches closed because of poor water quality will affect tourism, he explained.