A Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) candidate has issued an apology for controversial remarks made during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he suggested that Quebecers supporting vaccines should be euthanized. David Alarie, now running as a PCQ candidate in Brome-Missisquoi, Eastern Townships, explained that he had made those comments impulsively.
Alarie’s Facebook post from Nov. 19, 2020, stated: “I’ve been holding back for too long. Those who believe in the government’s actions, the only vaccine you deserve is euthanasia.” Later, on Jan. 19, 2021, he suggested that the only way to remove the CAQ government from power was to pressure their MNAs for resignation.
In response to inquiries from Radio-Canada, Alarie conveyed in an email that his previous remarks were “clumsy” and do not represent his current views or those of the PCQ. He admitted that his attempt at humor during the pandemic was inappropriate.
The 2022 election campaign has seen scrutiny on PCQ candidates, with a CBC News investigation revealing that nearly 30% of the party’s first 54 announced candidates shared medical misinformation, engaged with conspiracy theories, or interacted with far-right extremists via social media during the pandemic. Other party candidates have also faced scrutiny from traditional media outlets.
PCQ Leader Éric Duhaime dismissed the criticisms, accusing the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) of resorting to smear tactics due to their poor public standing. He urged a more constructive dialogue focusing on political achievements rather than personal attacks.
In a recent development, a CAQ candidate in the Ungava riding withdrew from the race following controversial comments made at a women’s center, questioning its women-only policy and expressing views on male involvement in women’s issues. CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette condemned the candidate’s behavior as unacceptable.
Elsewhere, Parti Québécois (PQ) candidate François Gariépy in the Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré riding faced backlash for past remarks, including derogatory comments towards Indigenous women and older women. PQ leader St-Pierre Plamondon acknowledged the inappropriateness of the remarks but opted not to request the candidate’s withdrawal, emphasizing the need to focus on campaign proposals rather than distractions.
