At his first news conference as premier on Friday morning, François Legault pledged to make it easier for victims of the recent Gatineau tornado, and last year's spring flooding, to get their compensation cheques.
Legault announced plans to introduce a new aid program which he hopes will cut red tape, and delays, for those still waiting on compensation.
As for some of his other major campaign pledges — banning religious symbols for state employees in positions of authority, and raising the legal age for pot consumption to 21 — the premier suggests he might not act on those until the spring.
Legault announced the National Assembly will reconvene on Nov. 27 for a brief sitting. During that time, he expects his finance minister will present his first economic update — an opportunity, perhaps, for Legault to act on one of his oft-repeated campaign themes, which is putting more money into the hands of Quebecers.
On religious symbols, Legault reiterated his intention to act on banning them for state employees in positions of authority — but also insisted, once again, that the National Assembly's crucifix in the Blue Room, above the speaker's chair, won't be going anywhere, saying it's a part of Quebec's history.
He was also dismissive of the fact that Charles Taylor, one of the authors of the Bouchard-Taylor report on religious accommodation a decade ago, had criticized the CAQ's approach on religious symbols.
“I think what is important is the reception of the Bouchard-Taylor report by the population,” Legault said. “There was good support, large support for this report. I understand that Mr. Taylor doesn’t support that report anymore, but still, the population, they agree with this report.”
Legault says he still plans on raising the age limit for pot from 18 to 21, insisting pot use by teens is dangerous for developing brains. He also says a strategy to reform the way Quebecers vote will be put in place within the next year, pointing out that most of the opposition parties — with the notable exception of the Liberals — are in favor of some change to the current first-past-the-post electoral system.
Legault insists he fully intends to preserve access to services for anglophones, and says his decision not to name a specific minister for anglophones will make a difference. On Thursday, he announced rookie Ste. Rose MNA Christopher Skeete would be in charge of the anglo secretariat created by the previous Liberal government — and essentially, become Legault's point man on anglos.
"I assure you that it's important for me. I want the anglophones to feel that they are well represented," he said. "I expect that we'll have good relations and I'll take care of that myself with the help of Christopher."