Independence to be new focus of Bloc

MONTREAL — The new head of the Bloc Quebecois says he plans to recapture the hearts of Quebec voters by putting a greater emphasis on independence.

Mario Beaulieu, an ardent sovereigntist, won a slim victory on Saturday over his only opponent in the party’s leadership race, Bloc MP André Bellavance.

Beaulieu said explaining the benefits of breaking away from Canada will be his top priority.

“Our opponents have often announced the death of the independence movement,” he told a crowd of supporters at a concert venue in Montreal. “I have a surprise for them: we are returning with more determination and energy than ever.”