Calling all soft sovereignists — the Liberal Party of Quebec is here for you!

This message, however unlikely, is gradually seeping its way into the collective consciousness of the provincial electorate. Just take a peek at the slick new Liberal campaign signs that sprung up overnight following Premier Charest’s much-anticipated election call two weeks ago.

In a veritable coup of subliminal cunning, the wily Westmounter and his top advisors have reached deep into the very core of the floundering separatist movement and ripped out its most valuable asset — the one word that has served the Parti Québécois admirably well over the past three decades, carrying it through two referenda and putting a nice, positive face on separatism, sovereignty, or whatever else you want to call that longstanding threat to Canadian unity.

That word, of course, is Yes — or to comply with Bill 101 and quote directly from the campaign posters, Oui. This time the word is being used to send the opposite message. The Charest Liberals have, in effect, reclaimed the word and are putting it work to serve their own ends.

If the Liberals’ fortunes decline to the point where we are called once again to vote in provincial referendum on sovereignty — an unlikely eventuality, given the PQ’s latest stand on the issue, vis à vis the current economic uncertainty — will Oui still mean Yes to sovereignty? If not, does this mean Oui will be the new Non?

Peut-être.

In other election news, Westmounter Allen Nutik has decided to pass on this opportunity to establish his new AffiliationQuebec party on the provincial stage, having reversed his recent decision to run in the neighbouring NDG riding.

Whether or not you agree with his policies, you have to admire his sound judgement in this situation, for AQ obviously has a long way to go before it can rally enough clout to take on the big red Liberal machine in that western Montreal stronghold. Mr. Nutik knows this, and acted wisely — though it probably broke his heart to do so.

He will be missed, for he stands out as a colourful character in a field of comparatively nondescript politicians, would-bes and also-rans. His brash approach and outspoken stand on the frankly controversial issues of minority rights would have added a welcome element to the race. Hopefully he will be able to field several candidates in the next election and return to spice up the local campaign.