Canadian Muslim Forum & the Quebec Election 2014

Lately, I've gotten the political bug back. As many of you know my education is in public policy and international relations. I think I've been more inspired lately because of the upcoming charged Quebec election. We all have responsibility to vote and voice an opinion. 

Last Sunday I spent the evening with the Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF) in Laval. The CMF hosted an excellent town hall format meeting attended by many Provincial parties (Liberal, Green, Coalition Avenir Québec and Québec Solidaire). The candidates spoke to the community and answered many questions. I'm not surprised that the PQ did not send any candidates to speak. The CMF organizers posed various predetermined questions about: future hopes for Quebec, Quebec identity and the economy.

Canadian Muslim Forum event @ Chateau Royal in Laval

Clearly the room was frustrated with the Charter and politics of division in this province. The common theme discussed was: job creation, access to education and a strong anti-charter sentiment. The best strongest reply from the night came from Rita Da Santis, current elected Liberal Member of National Assembly for Bourassa-Sauve riding, "...an uneducated person is not free," highlighting how important it is to create a neutral government that tolerates all religions and peoples.

Alex Tyrell (Leader of Green Party in Quebec) addressing the public

Second, Rita's quote also relates to creating accessible education in Quebec. Society is not created equal, she stated, however access to education is critical. Rita pointed out that this creates a society of confident citizens but also confident society that attracts investment.

One question addressed to all candidates was about job creation. I liked Alex Tyrell's, leader of the Green Party in Quebec, comments about eco-jobs. This is something that needs to be explored further in our province. A knowledge and eco-based economy may be one of the remaining areas that have not seen much political action. How does that related to mortgages? Simple. We need better quality jobs and better paying jobs in Montreal and the rest of Quebec. Job creation and job innovation feels flat in Quebec. Our Province has many untapped talents. Creating jobs in manufacturing is passe. We need innovation and job creation in knowledge and eco-based industries.