The first debate at the PLQ – Moreau evokes the end of cegeps

The leader of the liberal party Pierre Moreau aspirant questioned the relevance of the cegep in the Quebec education system. However, the idea does not unanimously with the other candidates who have debated and education statement before hundreds of activists at the cegep Maisonneuve in Montréal, Sunday.

«It takes [...]» Open the debate on the relevance of the cegeps; It is the only province in Canada that have a system of cegep and is one that is taken with figures that are overwhelming for graduation”, has launched Pierre Moreau, citing a recent study of HEC, which indicates that the Quebec university graduation rate is four points lower than Ontario and two points lower than the average Canadian.

Philippe Couillard does not have time to respond, closing the door categorically to this idea. “Me, I think that it is a tool of economic development for our regions.” In press briefing, former Health Minister returned cegeps, stating that this was ‘one of the tools to increase the enrolment of Quebecers’ history.

Pierre Moreau returned to the charge, accusing his opponent to refuse discussion. “What Philippe [Couillard] just tell us, is that the PLQ will close with the idea to ask the question about the relevance of the cegeps because it concluded that it was a good system.” The race for the leadership, this is an opportunity to debate. And to make the debates, it requires asking questions. »

The Economist Group, Raymond Bachand, remained on the margins on this theme, more interested in the question of University fees. “The students must do their fair share [...]” It is clear that moment asked taxpayers to the citizens who pay large fees for 400 million more, a contribution to at least be asked the same thing to students. “It took the opportunity to uncheck some arrows that appeared to be his main rival, Philippe Couillard, who evoked the indexing as a point of departure. “Index, is not enough. It is a matter of social justice. »

When the latter recalled that two Quebec universities were in the top 100 world, Raymond Bachand went a more direct attack. “Philippe, I find that it has no common sense what you’re saying.” It’s been ten years that everyone means [to say] that the universities are under-funded. »

Student crisis

When asked by host Dominique Poirier on how they would have handled the student crisis last spring, the three aspiring leaders took a small distance from the management of Jean Charest. Raymond Bachand submitted what he “would have done things differently” and that he will be involved personally. It nevertheless considers that law 78 has “assured the school year of our children and stop the violence suddenly dry.”

Pierre Moreau conceded that the Government could listen to more”young people to”be part of the solution.

Meanwhile, Philippe Couillard, who was not in the Government during the crisis, is said to have followed the debate “of a citizen look”. It expressed agreement with the part of Bill 78, which ensured the protection of access to courses, indicating that the part about “the framing of events was unnecessary.” According to him, “the option of a forum is a good idea”, and to discuss with all the factions of the student movement, he yet do not “seek consensus with all”.

Allegations and commission Charbonneau

The three candidates have attempted to minimize the impact of the corruption allegations and revelations of the commission Charbonneau on the confidence of voters and activists. “It should not engage in a debate where allegations become a proven fact, become a judgment,” summed up Pierre Moreau, which asserts that it is “the duty of the Chief of PLQ to stand” to defend “the great institution” that is the liberal party.

Raymond Bachand mentioned the idea that the commission Charbonneau ‘perhaps’ should be put in place six months earlier. Meanwhile, Philippe Couillard has opened the door to the idea to equip the PLQ of a code of ethics that would affect not only the elect, but all permanent members.

This first of five debates took place in a pretty nice atmosphere, candidates wanting to set the table for the next debates that are likely to be more full-bodied, as stated by Philippe Couillard in press briefing. «It is difficult to say [how the upcoming debates will evolve], that will depend on what goes out of commission Charbonneau.» The revelations will affect our party, the subject will be put forward. The Committee resumed its work on 21 January, then it will have an impact on the last three segments of the race. »