"What a victory", Mr. Speaker. "What a victory!" These were the words of Lucienne Robillard, a former minister in the Bourassa government, on being elected as member for Saint-Henri-Westmount in a by-election in which only 30 per cent of registered voters turned out. What a victory indeed.
It reflects little glory on Mrs. Robillard, who systematically refused to take part in any debate during the campaign. For her, the by-election was a mere formality, somewhat like being appointed to the Senate by the Prime Minister. Let us hope she knows which door is which when she comes to Ottawa.
She will have to explain statements she made earlier as the Quebec minister for health and education, when she fought against federal interference in these sectors. Does she no longer stand by these statements, which are at odds with the present federal government's approach to social program reform?