Federal elections: Legault will not hesitate to intervene

François Legault will not hesitate to call on federal party leaders during the current election campaign, as he did Wednesday on secularism.

Like his predecessors in recent election campaigns, Prime Minister Legault will be tabling a list of requests over the next few days on which he will invite federal political party leaders to vote.

But Mr. Legault will not shy away from commenting on the statements of federal leaders, beyond the traditional "grocery list". "If there are other issues that would require clarification and additional demands on federal parties, we will do so," he said at the opening of the caucus of his political party to parliamentary return.

The day before, Legault had demanded that federal party leaders pledge not to support a legal challenge to the secularism law, which prohibits the wearing of religious symbols by some state employees. In launching the federal election a few hours earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he does not plan to "intervene" in such a court challenge.

"I ask them to commit, not just for the moment, for good, never to challenge the law that prohibits religious symbols for those in authority," Prime Minister Legault said, apparently aiming his federal counterpart, without naming him.

A question of respect

Questioned about his exit the day before, Francois Legault said Thursday he was "to defend the interests of Quebecers" during the election campaign.

"Over the next few days, I will make other requests where, perhaps, some leaders will feel more targeted than others. But my requests are directed to all federal leaders, "said Premier Legault.

Even though the secularity law is already being challenged in the courts by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Legault believes that federal involvement would go against the autonomy of Canadian citizens. provinces.

"It's a question of respect for the decisions of the National Assembly," he says. It is important for some topics to respect the autonomy of the provinces. Provinces have the right to use what is known as the notwithstanding clause. I think it's a very legitimate decision that should not be challenged by the federal government. "