As mentioned in my April letter, CAFP is holding its 2018 Regional Meeting in Montreal, Québec from Sunday, September 23 to Tuesday, September 25.
Our last time in Québec was 2012 in Québec City. Much has changed. Federally, the two recent elections, in 2011 and 2015 produced dramatically different results throughout Québec. This year, we arrive in the middle of a provincial campaign in which an entirely new political party, the Coalition Avenir Québec (le CAQ , for short) is challenging the Liberal government of Philippe Couillard for government. For the first time in decades, the question of Quebec sovereignty is not a major campaign issue. Quebec nationalists, though down, are not out. New issues have emerged on the scene and the stakes of the October 1st election, for Quebec and all of Canada could not be higher.
Our Regional Meetings this year will take place in Old Montreal, the thriving heart of one of one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities. Over the past decades, the factories and warehouses along the St. Lawrence have been tastefully rebuilt into a vibrant cityscape of boutique hotels, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
Our organizing committee from Montreal is busy preparing a program that will mix comradery, informed discussion of politics, and a fascinating taste of Montreal’s most interesting sights. Details will be forthcoming in early August. The registration fee for the Regional Meeting is $200.00 per person and includes most meals and activities.
If you are from outside of Quebec, don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience what’s happening in Quebec today. If you’re from Quebec, join the tour and share your insights and perspectives, with our colleagues from the rest of Canada.
A block of 30 rooms has been reserved at the Hôtel Place d’Armes , 55 St. Jacques Street, in the heart of Old Montreal. Please book your room early and make your travel arrangements soon to avoid disappointment. To make your hotel reservation, you must call the Hotel directly no later than Thursday, August 30, 2018, before 5:00 pm with the following code: OBCANGVT or booking name: Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. The telephone numbers are: 514.842.1887 or 1.888.450.1887. A variety of rooms sizes are available: $249.00 for a classic queen room, $269 for a deluxe queen room; $289 for a classic king room; $329 for a superior king room and $309 for a classic double room. Details on the Regional Meeting will follow throughout the summer.