Canada PoliticsFederal leaders weigh-in on Quebec election results
Two of the Federal political leaders have made statements with regards to the Quebec election results with both claiming that the vote is a clear message that Quebecers are not interested in sovereignty or constitutional debates.
On Tuesday evening, the sovereignist Parti Quebecois won the election, but it wasn't the majority government they coveted.
The PQ won 54 seats out of a total of 125 seats, the Liberals finished second with 50 seats, the Coaltion Avenir Quebec with 19 and the Quebec Solidaire with 2.
As pointed-out by the Toronto Star's Chantal Hébert, the three sovereigntist parties on the ballot only combined for a total of about 40 per cent of the vote.
In other words, Quebecers have spoken — they're not in the mood for another referendum.
Liberal leader Bob Rae was the first to react with a tweet:
Quebec voters reject separatist project.This is the key point that must not be lost
— Bob Rae (@bobraeMP) September 5, 2012
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released this statement shortly after:
"The people of Quebec have made the decision to elect a minority government led by the Parti québécois.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Pauline Marois on her election victory, and the other candidates for taking part in this democratic process.
We do not believe that Quebecers wish to revisit the old constitutional battles of the past.
Our Government will remain focused on jobs, economic growth and sound management of the economy.
We believe that economic issues and jobs are also the priorities of the people of Quebec.
With this in mind, we will continue to work with the Government of Quebec toward our common goals.
I would also like to thank outgoing premier Jean Charest for his leadership and for his dedication to the people of Quebec."
