On Tuesday, April 8, Bloc Québécois (BQ) leader Yves-François Blanchet made a surprise guest appearance at a campaign event in Lachute for Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation candidate Martin Héroux at Brûlerie Onirique.
Héroux and Blanchet both emphasized the importance of protecting Québec’s interests and identity in the 2025 federal election, with a focus on preserving the French language and culture, as well as reinforcing Québec’s provincial autonomy from federal overreach.
“We must equip ourselves with the most effective and accessible tool possible: a strong, determined voice that will take into account our values and our Québec identity in Ottawa,” Héroux stated.
“My Bloc colleagues and I will be there for everyone—so that all of Québec can be heard, our issues defended, and our strengths preserved and advanced until the advent of our country,” he continued.
About halfway through the event, Blanchet’s campaign bus arrived, to the delight of the crowd gathered inside the café.
Blanchet entered Brûlerie Onirique with his team and was greeted by cheering supporters waving placards bearing the Québec flag.
After a few quick greetings, Blanchet turned his attention to the Liberal Party of Canada, drawing a pointed comparison to Donald Trump over an upcoming Supreme Court of Canada challenge to Québec’s secularism law, also known as Bill 21.
“We have our own bullies. It is those who use the appointment of judges to be certain that when we come to contest a law which is popular and consensual for the people of Québec, for example, Bill 21 on the laïcité of the Québec state, we may have a greater chance of judges who may be more complacent in favour of Canadian multiculturalism,” Blanchet said.
Blanchet praised Héroux warmly: “You’re lucky because you have that guy,” he said, pointing at the candidate.
Blanchet spent time speaking with supporters and shaking hands before continuing on the campaign trail.
Photos by Philip Oddi:
