For Immediate Release
B'nai Brith Canada expressed its regret today over the circumstances contributing to the departure of Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard. The hard-line nationalist elements that came out of the woodwork in support of Yves Michaud, have apparently pushed the Premier over the edge. Their support of Mr. Michaud, whose insensitive views reflect sentiments that have no place in an open and modern society have cast an ugly haze over Quebec for the past month. What they themselves fail to realize, is that their dream of Quebec sovereignty can never materialize if minority communities feel threatened by it.
“The Premier had at least shown that his vision of Quebec society was open, inclusive and respectful of diversity. Expressions of xenophobia and intolerance by Yves Michaud and his supporters have no place in Quebec society in the year 2001”, said Allan Adel, B'nai Brith's Quebec Chairman of its League for Human Rights.
Steven Slimovitch said that Quebec has lost a man of great stature who was willing to stand tall and stare down bigotry and intolerance in his own party, under great pressure. “In the eyes of the Quebec Jewish community, he had just had his finest moment, in his handling of the Michaud affair. Yves Michaud and his followers should go into hiding today, for they have just dealt a severe blow to their own party”.
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For more information:
Me Allan Adel; Quebec Chair of B'nai Brith's League for Human Rights 845-4151
Me. Steve Slimovitch; Legal Counsel 871-8971
Robert Libman; Quebec Regional Director 733-5377
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