With Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day now upon us, I invited Philippe J. Fournier of 338Canada.com to join me for a little game — a draft of Quebec’s best (and most notorious?) premiers!
Who makes it No. 1? Which premier gets drafted higher than of the scouts had him?
After listening, let us know which team of premiers you think is the best team:
As always, in addition to listening to the episode in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this episode on YouTube.
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Ep. #99: Quebec Premiers Draft
I think Legault will be in the top influential set; in key part because of his autonomy / nationalism but federalism middle ground and his electoral success.
However, a key part of Legault's legacy to me were the twin Bills 21 & 96. And for him to be able to pass two laws which are antithetical to English Canada electoral values - especially Bill 21 since 96 has more of a basis / precedent via Bill 101 - really shows the impact of his nationalism and autonomy without seperatism. It also shows him flexing his power since the federal government essentially has shown it will turn a blind eye to Québec's legislaiton regarding religious and official language minorities, even as it conflicts with broder Canadian ideals.
(Not trying to debate the merits of the bills here, just their impact re: podcast)
This was great fun to listen to! I found it very interesting that in the discussion of honourable mentions Parizeau didn’t come up (I’d argue a lot of the factors discussed for Marois apply as far as his career before becoming premier, his electoral record is a bit stronger, and the 1995 referendum is obviously hugely important even if unsuccessful for Parizeau).