Quebec Solidaire’s Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois to Take Parental Leave
Quebec Solidaire’s co-spokesperson, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, has announced that he will be taking parental leave in the coming months. Nadeau-Dubois and his partner, Catherine Dorion, are expecting their first child in February.
In a statement released on Monday, Nadeau-Dubois expressed his excitement for this new chapter in his life and his commitment to being an involved and present parent. He also acknowledged the importance of parental leave in allowing both parents to bond with their child and share the responsibilities of childcare.
Nadeau-Dubois will be taking a six-month leave, during which time he will continue to receive his salary as a Member of the National Assembly. He will also continue to fulfill his duties as co-spokesperson for Quebec Solidaire, but will not be participating in parliamentary sessions or committee work.
This decision has been met with support from Nadeau-Dubois’ colleagues and constituents. Quebec Solidaire’s other co-spokesperson, Manon Massé, expressed her joy for Nadeau-Dubois and his partner and their decision to take parental leave. She also highlighted the importance of normalizing parental leave for all parents, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Nadeau-Dubois’ announcement has also sparked discussions about the need for better parental leave policies in Quebec and across Canada. Currently, Quebec offers up to 18 weeks of parental leave for both parents, with the option to extend it to 25 weeks if both parents share the leave. However, many argue that this is not enough and that more support is needed for new parents.
In light of this, Nadeau-Dubois has stated that he will use his platform to advocate for better parental leave policies and support for families. He hopes that his decision to take parental leave will inspire others to do the same and contribute to the ongoing conversation about work-life balance and gender equality.
In the meantime, Quebec Solidaire has announced that they will be appointing a temporary replacement for Nadeau-Dubois during his leave. The party has also assured that Nadeau-Dubois will be welcomed back with open arms upon his return.
As Nadeau-Dubois prepares to embark on this new journey, he remains committed to his role as a co-spokesperson for Quebec Solidaire and to fighting for social justice and equality. His decision to take parental leave serves as a reminder that being a parent is a full-time job and that it is important to prioritize family and personal well-being.
