By Ammar Hadi – Montreal
In his opening address before the National Assembly, Quebec Premier François Legault presented a new political vision that he said aims to “restore the confidence of Quebecers” after difficult years. His speech focused on three main themes: confronting what he called “radical Islamists,” reforming the union system, and tightening oversight of temporary immigration. The address came as voting intentions for his party have declined amid ongoing crises, suggesting an effort to rally his base against the Parti Québécois (PQ), which has also toughened its rhetoric toward Quebec’s Muslim community — a community that, so far, remains on the sidelines.
Confronting “Islamists” and strengthening secularism
Legault has also pledged to maintain his government's focus on issues of identity, and on Tuesday he repeated promises to table a Quebec constitution and a new bill to strengthen secularism.
He said secularism is under threat from a growing phenomenon of "political-religious groups" intent on undermining Quebec values. "Let's be honest," he said. "It is mainly radical Islamists who are attacking these values with the most intensity."
Immigration and capacity to welcome newcomers
While describing immigrants as a “wealth” for Quebec, Legault insisted that the province’s capacity to receive them has been “exceeded.” He warned that if the federal government continues to expand temporary immigration programs, his government may be forced to reduce services provided to asylum seekers.Unions and the health sector
The premier sharply criticized unions, calling the current system outdated and harmful to both workers and citizens, and labeling Quebec the “strike capital.” He announced his intention to revise union laws to limit their influence. In health care, Legault reiterated that part of doctors’ salaries will be tied to performance indicators, stressing that taxpayers deserve better services in return for high salaries.
Economy and strategic projects
On the economic front, Legault announced the launch of a fast-track mechanism for strategic projects in energy and the economy, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and accelerating development while maintaining environmental and quality standards.
Reactions: Exaggerating the “Islamist threat”
Bruno Marchand, outgoing mayor of Quebec City, accused Legault of exaggerating the “Islamist threat” and using “warlike language.”
Marwah Rizqy, Liberal MNA, said the speech offered nothing new, calling it a “recycled” version of old promises.
Ruba Ghazal, of Québec solidaire, argued that the real crises facing citizens are housing and climate, not what she described as “fearmongering about Islamists.”
Commentary
It is evident that targeting “Islamists” has become an electoral card shared by both the CAQ and the PQ, used to attract hardline voters anxious about identity and immigration. This competition to appear “tougher” on Muslims is not about addressing real issues of security or values but about mobilizing nationalist and conservative bases that view Islam as a threat.
Such rhetoric poses a double danger: it legitimizes Islamophobia and normalizes it as an acceptable electoral tool in public discourse. Far from serving democracy, it undermines social cohesion, fuels fear, and divides society.
The real challenges in Quebec — housing, the economy, and climate change — are what citizens expect their leaders to tackle. For the Muslim community, the time has come to act decisively, through a coordinated plan that unites its diverse voices and equips it to confront these challenges. Only then can it protect future generations from hatred, intolerance, and systematic targeting.
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