In a powerful response to Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's recent comments, a fifth-generation Anglo-Quebecer has declared that anglophones like himself are already 100 per cent Quebecers and have been for generations.
A Personal History in Quebec
The author, John Overing from Lorraine, directly addresses the PQ leader's hope that anglophones might one day aspire to become "100 per cent Quebecers." He presents his family's deep roots in the province, stating "My children are sixth-generation Quebecers. My grandchildren are seventh-generation Quebecers." This personal history stands in stark contrast to what the letter suggests is a political narrative that overlooks the long-standing contributions of the English-speaking community.
The core argument challenges the Parti Québécois to demonstrate a genuine understanding that anglophones are woven into the very fabric of Quebec's history. Instead of making them feel marginalized, the party should acknowledge their role. "The PQ must show it understands that anglophones are part of the history of Quebec, instead of making them feel like a curse," Overing writes.
Broader Concerns: Bill 2 and Healthcare
The publication date of November 25, 2025, situates this letter within an ongoing public debate. The correspondence appears alongside other reader submissions expressing concern over provincial policies, notably Bill 2, the government's legislation concerning medical salaries.
Another letter from Stephen Schwarcz of Dollard-des-Ormeaux criticizes the bill, questioning the fairness of legislating doctors' incomes while MNAs voted themselves pay increases in both 2023 and 2025. He argues that the bill will exacerbate the shortage of healthcare workers, stating, "Bill 2 will only encourage more doctors to leave."
Proposing Solutions for a Strained System
A third perspective on the healthcare crisis comes from Nathan Friedland of Roxboro, a former nurse. He points to the forgotten potential of Bill 90, passed in 2002, which was designed to allow nurses to perform certain medical activities. He cites the success of the now-closed Centre médical TaLin in Candiac, which was run by nurses and saw 40,000 patients a year, potentially preventing countless ER visits.
Friedland proposes a logical solution to ease the burden on doctors: "I fail to understand why, if the government wants more 'yellow' and 'red' patients to be seen by physicians, it does not let nurses handle 'green' patients. We are quite capable of following thousands of patients a year." This suggestion highlights a lost opportunity within the healthcare system to utilize the full scope of nursing expertise.
The collection of letters, published by the Montreal Gazette, paints a picture of a populace engaged with critical issues of identity, governance, and public health, urging its leaders to recognize the province's diverse fabric and seek practical, inclusive solutions.
