Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, along with former mayors, senators, artists, and business people, expressed concern about the rise in incivility across Canada in an open letter published in The Globe and Mail. They called on the political class to take action to improve public debate, pointing to a trend of increased intolerance and belligerence, especially regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The authors warned that if nothing is done to address this rise in incivility, Canada’s social fabric could be irreparably damaged.
Charest attributed the increase in incivility to social media, noting a recent wave of resignations by around 800 local politicians in Quebec since the last elections in 2021. He highlighted the case of former Gatineau mayor France Bélisle, who cited intimidation as the reason for her resignation. Charest lamented that incivility is hindering the ability of elected officials to do their jobs, with some facing hurtful remarks and even death threats. He mentioned incidents involving Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, as well as tensions on Quebec university campuses.
Charest emphasized the importance of fostering a safe, cohesive, and respectful Canada, free of hatred. He urged the senior political leadership of Canada to demonstrate a commitment to combating incivility and creating a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and dialogue. Charest warned that failure to address the rise in incivility could result in the social fabric being torn apart. He also noted an increasing influence of American politics in Canada and urged Canadians not to let external factors impact their approach to societal issues.
The open letter co-signed by Charest and other prominent figures drew strong reactions on social media, with some interpreting the call for action as an attempt to silence dissenting voices. The authors emphasized that their intention was not to stifle debate, but to promote a more respectful and constructive public discourse. They expressed concern about the impact of incivility on elected officials, particularly women who face hurtful and offensive remarks on social media.
Charest highlighted the need for dialogue on university campuses in Quebec, where tensions have been inflamed by the conflict in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of maintaining a culture of tolerance and acceptance, and urged Quebecers and Canadians to resist the influence of divisive rhetoric and behavior. Charest reflected on the drift in society and the increased tensions in recent years, calling on citizens to prioritize democracy and engage in respectful dialogue to address the challenges posed by incivility. Ultimately, he advocated for a safer and more cohesive Canada where all citizens can participate in public debate without fear of intimidation or hatred.
