Local electors reveal what’s behind their vote

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD

andy.blatchford@transcontinental.ca

As the Quebec election quickly approaches, a handful of West Islanders offered The Chronicle a glimpse of the issues that prompt them to choose from the ballot.

“I’m a coast-to-coast, north-to-south Canadian and the sovereignty issue is very important to me,” said long-time Beaconsfield resident and Liberal Party supporter Rowlie Phare. “I deplore the folks who play with words trying to sneak something past us. Personally I think that most Quebecers, of whichever cultural group, are tired of this crap and I’d like to see us rise above it.”

The Liberals disappointed the 81-year-old in their design of Montreal’s agglomeration council, but Phare believes its drawbacks have been overblown by the media.

“I do feel that in some ways the press has capitalized on the near hysteria around all of this,” Phare said. “It sells papers.”

Meanwhile, Dollard des Ormeaux resident Bernard, who did not want his full name published, said he mulls a number of concerns before casting a ballot. Still, evaluating the party leaders is the most important step before deciding, he said.

“It’s the quality of the (party leaders) and not the promises,” the 65-year-old said, adding that platform pledges are hardly ever kept anyway.

He said party leader objectives are the most telling.

“The health issue is, of course, very important, but it is mostly who would make the best premier,” he said.

Marie, who was shopping at Galeries des Sources last Friday afternoon, said health is a key election issue for her.

“Health is the most important because we are not satisfied with the hospital system,” the 57-year-old Pierrefonds resident said.

Roxboro’s Kun (who did not give his full name) said there are no specific subjects that jump out at him.

His family discusses which party will best represent their collective interests.

“The family sits down and we try to figure something out,” he said.

In the end, however, Kun said it doesn’t matter who’s in office.

“What’s the difference, my friend? It’s

politics. They’re all bullshitters,” Kun said.

Jessica, 17, of Dollard isn’t old enough to vote, and wasn’t sure if she would anyway.

“I have no clue,” she said last Friday

afternoon. “I don’t really pay attention to it.”

Quebecers head to the polls Monday.