Quebec MNA Youri Chassin has announced his departure from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party, citing a lack of alignment with the party’s values and direction.
Chassin, who has represented the riding of Saint-Jérôme since 2018, made the announcement on his Facebook page on Monday. He stated that he had been reflecting on his political future for several months and ultimately decided to leave the CAQ.
In his post, Chassin expressed his gratitude to the party and its leader, Premier François Legault, for the opportunity to serve as an MNA. However, he also acknowledged that he had differences with the party on certain issues, particularly in regards to the environment and the economy.
Chassin stated that he believes in the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, which he feels is not a priority for the CAQ. He also expressed concerns about the party’s approach to the economy, stating that he believes in a more open and competitive market.
The departure of Chassin comes as a surprise to many, as he was seen as a rising star within the CAQ. He was the party’s spokesperson for economic development and was considered a potential candidate for a cabinet position in the future.
In response to Chassin’s departure, Premier Legault stated that he was disappointed but respected his decision. He also thanked Chassin for his contributions to the party and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Chassin’s departure leaves the CAQ with 74 MNAs in the National Assembly, still holding a majority government. However, it is a blow to the party’s image and may lead to some internal reflection on its policies and direction.
The CAQ has not yet announced who will replace Chassin as the spokesperson for economic development. It is also unclear if Chassin will join another political party or continue his career outside of politics.
This news has sparked reactions from other political parties, with some expressing surprise and others using it as an opportunity to criticize the CAQ’s policies. It remains to be seen how this will impact the party and the political landscape in Quebec.
In the meantime, Chassin’s departure serves as a reminder that political parties are made up of individuals with their own beliefs and values. As the CAQ moves forward, it will have to navigate these differences and ensure that its policies reflect the diverse perspectives within its ranks.
