Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Émilise Lessard-Therrien has resigned from her position, citing concerns for her mental health and difficulty finding her place within the party. Despite being chosen as co-spokesperson in a leadership race last November, Lessard-Therrien struggled to work alongside her male counterpart, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, and felt discouraged from expressing her opinions publicly. Caucus members expressed their support for her decision to step down and acknowledged the challenges she faced during her brief tenure.
Nadeau-Dubois acknowledged the difficulties in transitioning to a new co-spokesperson, especially since Lessard-Therrien is no longer an MNA and was unable to access National Assembly resources. He took responsibility for the situation and recognized the need for change within the party. This is not the first time concerns have been raised about voice suppression within Québec solidaire, as former MNA Catherine Dorion also spoke out about similar issues in the past. Despite these challenges, Nadeau-Dubois still believes in the party’s system of having two spokespeople rather than a single leader.
Dorion expressed her support for Lessard-Therrien’s decision to step down, calling it a victory for the left and those who are dedicated to upholding principles of justice. Nadeau-Dubois acknowledged that there are lessons to be learned from both Lessard-Therrien’s resignation and Dorion’s book outlining her concerns. Labrie, another MNA from the party who was present at the news conference, emphasized the importance of a positive work environment and stated that she would not remain in the party if it became toxic.
Party officials have not yet announced the details of the leadership race to replace Lessard-Therrien, out of respect for her decision to step down. Despite the challenges faced by the party, Nadeau-Dubois maintains his belief in Québec solidaire’s system of governance and the support of his caucus and voters. The departure of Lessard-Therrien highlights the ongoing struggles within the party to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for all members. It remains to be seen how the party will address these issues and move forward in the wake of this resignation.
