LAVAL – The Armenian Community Center in Chomedey was alight with political fervor this past Sunday, October 19, as a capacity crowd gathered for the “Autumn Gala”, a key fundraising event hosted by Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier. The gala served as a powerful platform for the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Pablo Rodriguez, who delivered a rousing speech focusing on unity, economic pragmatism, and a definitive rejection of separatist politics.

The hall was filled with supporters, local dignitaries, and ethnic community media, reflecting the diverse fabric of the Chomedey riding. Notably, the event drew strong support from the Greek-Canadian community, with two prominent tables occupied by leaders, clergy, and representatives from the Greater Montreal Area, underscoring the community’s engagement in the province’s political future.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies set a tone of celebration and solidarity, describing the gathering as “a beautiful evening, surrounded by familiar faces and new friends.” She framed the event not just as a fundraiser, but as “a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together.” She praised the local MNA’s unwavering presence, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the attendees. “Sona is always there; at every cultural celebration, every community event, every gathering. She listens, she supports, she shows up,” she stated. “And tonight, it’s our turn to be there for her.”

This theme of a unified community, or “village,” became a central metaphor for the evening. “A village is not just a place. It’s a community of hearts and hands working together to build a future,” the MC reflected. “Tonight, we are that village. Chomedey is that village.”

MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, upon taking the stage, warmly welcomed her guests, beginning with “Dear dignitaries… Dear ecclesiastical leaders, Dear friends.” Her speech immediately highlighted the multicultural coalition present, giving special thanks to federal and municipal colleagues. Her acknowledgements held particular significance for the Greek-Canadian attendees, as she specifically named Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis and Chomedey Municipal Councillor Aglaia Revelakis as pillars of the community, praising their “shared vision of a stronger and more united community.”

Ms. Lakhoyan Olivier spoke passionately about her deep, personal connection to her riding. “Chomedey is not just a riding, it is my home,” she declared. “I grew up here, I studied here, I got married here, I raised my children here… and above all, I know its people.” She framed her political career not as a job, but as a calling. “We don’t just live in a community… we must bring it to life. For me, being a Member of the National Assembly is not about politics, it is about public service.”

Transitioning to the political challenges facing the province, the Chomedey MNA offered a sharp critique of the incumbent CAQ government, contending that it has fostered division. “Have you noticed how the CAQ government wants to turn diversity into a problem?” she asked the crowd. “For us, at the Liberal Party of Quebec, the only federalist party in this province, diversity is our greatest strength.”

In a moment that drew strong applause, she directly addressed the CAQ’s controversial policies on education and language. “While they cut funding to English CEGEPs and universities, we are committed to reinvesting in all institutions, without discrimination. Speaking English, Italian, Tamil, Armenian, Greek, or Arabic never prevented anyone from speaking French. Dividing people is easy. Bringing them together: that is leadership.”

She painted a stark picture of the province after seven years of CAQ governance, stating, “Quebec is out of breath.” She listed a litany of perceived failures: “The health system is on artificial respiration… The housing crisis is worsening… The cost of living is exploding… And today: a $13.6 billion deficit, unheard of.” Her conclusion was blunt: “The social contract is broken.”

It was on this note of necessary change that she introduced her party’s new leader. “He embodies change, confidence, and renewal,” Ms. Lakhoyan Olivier said of Pablo Rodriguez. “He will give Quebec back its momentum, its credibility, and above all, hope for a better future for all.”

Mr. Rodriguez took to the stage with palpable energy, immediately observing the momentum. “This room is full. This room is full. But it’s my 4th event in 7 nights, and every night, the room is full,” he announced. “There’s something happening, guys. Change is coming in Quebec.”

He framed the next election, expected in 2026, as a clear “two-to-two” race. “Look, it’s between us and the Parti Québecois. It’s between us and the referendum.” He unequivocally dismissed the latter, asking, “Anyone wants a referendum? No? Me neither. We don’t want a referendum.” He criticized the Parti Québécois for having only one answer to every problem. “We want a better health system. Separation. We want a quality education. Separation… Whatever the question is, they have one word for it, separation.”

In a powerful rebuttal, Mr. Rodriguez offered what is clearly becoming his central message: “When things are hard, you change the government, not the country.”

The core of his speech, however, was a passionate plea for unity, directly contrasting his vision with that of the CAQ. “For me, the first job of a Premier is to unite his people, not to divide them,” he proclaimed. “I’ll make you one promise. I’ll never put Quebecers against each other. Whether you live in Gatineau, Sherbrooke… or the West Island. Whether you speak French, English, or any other language. Whether you’ve been here for generations, or you just chose Quebec as your new home. You are a Quebecer, because a Quebecer is a Quebecer.”

Beyond this promise of social cohesion, Mr. Rodriguez outlined a pragmatic economic vision. He pledged to review the fiscality of companies” and eliminate the paperwork, that he says is too constraining for Small and Medium-sized Businesses. He also emphasized the need to leverage Canada’s unique trade agreements with the G7. “We have to take advantage, we have to diversify our markets,” he said, adding a promise to reform government procurement. “We have to change the policy of buying from the government of Quebec… support companies that are here, in Quebec, at home.”

The formal program concluded following the leader’s speech. A delicious chicken plate was served to all attendees, and the atmosphere remained convivial. Guests had the opportunity to speak and take photos with both MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier and Pablo Rodriguez, reinforcing the accessible, community-focused spirit that the party is eager to project as it charts its new course.