Front Burner Is it over for Quebec’s François Legault?
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Sep 8, 2025 Martin Patriquin, Quebec correspondent for The Logic, dives into the turbulent world of Quebec politics. He discusses the new bill banning prayer in public spaces and the backlash from various communities. As Premier Francois Legault grapples with a spending scandal and sinking popularity, the conversation shifts to whether this will help or hurt his party. Patriquin explores the shifting tides in political influence, the potential rise of the Parti Quebecois, and what these changes mean for Quebec's future identity and leadership landscape.
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Bill Targets High-Profile Street Prayers
- The public-prayer bill targets visible Muslim street prayers tied to Israel-Palestine protests and social media attention.
- Martin Patriquin says the law's impetus was high-profile Muslim prayers in Montreal framed as public protests.
Charter Rights And The Notwithstanding Clause
- Critics argue the ban violates constitutional freedom of religion and reduces public freedoms.
- Patriquin notes the government plans to invoke the notwithstanding clause to block court challenges.
Identity Politics As A Political Crutch
- Legault resorts to identity and secularism issues when his popularity drops or he loses by-elections.
- Patriquin describes this as the CAQ's recurring political playbook aimed at shoring up support.