New appointment creates a dilemma

One week ago, pursuant to the Premier’s request, I was unanimously elected vice-president of the National Assembly. I am happy to hold this position, especially in the particular context of the current Assembly. So far so good, but this is where the problem begins. The vice-president of the Assembly must be impartial and thus be silent with respect to the public debates. His functions, like those of the President, will include leading the National Assembly on these subjects eventually. No President wants to have to disqualify himself from the Assembly because of prior interventions.

I write this column periodically, an exercise that I sometimes find difficult but that I always enjoy because it keeps me in touch with you. But you will understand that writing a political column twice a month, without taking a stand for a cause, is rather odd… How can it be done? I’ve been told “talk to us about what happens in Parliament.”

I would like to, but I am afraid it will quickly become boring. You see, I have a problem. Obviously this is not a question of avoiding to take up the defence of our citizens and their institutions. Of course, it is not a question of ceasing to defend your interests; that is not why you’ve elected me. But I can no longer vote at the Assembly, except in case of a tie. What can I do? Draw portraits of colleagues as Daumier in the French Parliament of the 19th century used to do? He created caricatures through drawings, maybe I can try to do the same through words.

Help me! If you have any suggestions, please call my riding office at 514-395-2929 or send an email to jchagnon@assnat.qc.ca.

Meanwhile, I will tell you that it is a surprising Assembly composed of three parties represented almost equally. It is rather odd but at the same time, it is a stimulating challenge for the President and his team.

- Jacques Chagnon is the Liberal MNA for Westmount-St. Louis.