Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois’ name was once synonymous with the words “student protests”, but now, 10 years later, the 32-year-old has carved out a place for himself in provincial politics.
As co-spokesperson for the left-wing socialist party Québec solidaire (QS), Nadeau-Dubois has proven that his activism goes far beyond the reds.
Although he has said in the past that he does not want to be a politician, the young father joined QS in 2017, winning a by-election in Gouin, a seat vacated by former spokeswoman Françoise David.
The answers below have been translated from French.
CTV News: What is your biggest issue in this election and why?
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois: The environment is the most important issue for us because it is above all a question of having a planet to bequeath to future generations.
CTV News: What issues are you most concerned about over the past term?
Nadeau-Dubois: Quebec is currently going through three crises: the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis and the crisis of the aging population.
We need a new team that will bring new solutions to answer them.
CTV News: How much do you think you’ve come across as an opposition party in the last term?
Nadeau-Dubois: In recent years, the changes proposed by Québec Solidaire have imposed us as the alternative to the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).
Québec Solidaire rallies people across the province and has the political courage to propose the solutions needed for a new era in Quebec.
CTV News: How would your party lead differently if elected?
Nadeau-Dubois: François Legault governed Quebec as if it were the 1990s.
Québec solidaire would make the fight against the climate crisis its No. 1 priority instead of contenting itself with improvising short-term solutions.
CTV News: Quebec Solidaire Slowly Gaining Popularity Since Last Election; what do you attribute this upward projection to and how do you intend to maintain it? What does QS have more than the other parties?
Nadeau-Dubois: Québec solidaire has always made progress where we least expected it.
We started in Montreal and created a surprise by having members elected in Sherbrooke, Quebec and even in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
We achieved this feat thanks to our work in the field and the quality of our candidates.
We have over 20,000 members across Quebec, which means we have roots in many communities.
We were inspired by the innovative techniques used by the Bernie Sanders campaign in the United States to mobilize people.
This year, we can count on our best team of candidates, made up of experts in health, the economy and the environment, to represent Quebecers across the province.
CTV News: Do you plan to remain the spokesperson for the party, regardless of the results?
Nadeau-Dubois: Yes, I will be the spokesperson for Québec solidaire as long as the members of our party have me.
CTV News: If your party is elected, what do you think will be your biggest challenge?
Nadeau-Dubois: The greatest challenge of any government in the 21st century is the fight against climate change, but we have an excellent team of candidates who know and recognize the urgency of the environmental crisis.
CTV News: Do you plan to encourage gender parity in your party? How do you intend to retain women politicians, especially with regard to issues of work-life balance, sexual harassment, etc.? ?
Nadeau-Dubois: Feminist values are part of Québec solidaire’s DNA.
Since its founding, Québec solidaire has fielded at least 50% female candidates in each election.
We also have two spokespersons — always a man (me) and a woman, Manon Massé.
We take work-family balance seriously in order to promote the political participation of parents, especially mothers.
We also have zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
CTV News: What inspired you to run for office? Is this what you expected?
Nadeau-Dubois: I got into politics to bring together people who want things to change in Quebec.
For this, we need people to mobilize and demonstrate, but also people ready to govern and implement real change.
It is a great privilege to represent the people, and I try to live up to those responsibilities.
CTV News: What’s one positive thing you’ve experienced during the pandemic?
Nadeau-Dubois: Like many people, I was moved to see the solidarity that Quebecers were able to show at times when it really mattered.
The resilience of essential workers and caregivers has also inspired me.
CTV News: What is your favorite thing about being on the campaign trail?
Nadeau-Dubois: The circuit allows us to visit the most beautiful places in Quebec, from western Abitibi to eastern Gaspésie.
I’m lucky enough to be able to show everything for the first time to my daughter Hélène, who is accompanying us.
CTV News: In a sentence or two, why should people vote for your party?
Nadeau-Dubois: In this election, Quebeckers have the choice between continuity or change.
Québec solidaire is the most credible alternative to fighting climate change and improving everyone’s quality of life.
This portrait is part of a series highlighting the five main party leaders in Quebec. The Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) and the Parti Québécois (PQ) chose not to participate. Responses have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
