Controversy Hits the Conservative Party of Quebec: New Candidate’s Views Clash with Eric Duhaime’s Identity

The political landscape in Quebec is heating up as the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) faces internal ideological tension. A newly announced candidate for the Pontiac riding in Outaouais, Éric Lanthier, is drawing significant scrutiny for a history of public statements that stand in stark contrast to the identity of the party’s leader, Eric Duhaime.

A Pro-Life Stance and the Abortion Debate

Éric Lanthier, a pastor and “gendered intelligence” coach, has a long-standing history of opposing abortion rights. His involvement with the anti-abortion association Campagne Québec-Vie is well-documented. In 2015, Lanthier published a provocative piece arguing that the common “my body, my choice” argument is “irrational.”

His activism didn’t stop at writing. In 2019, he led a march against abortion in Ottawa, an event described by organizers as a fight against the “murder of children.” More recently, in 2023, Lanthier appeared on a YouTube podcast where he insisted that the debate over abortion should be reopened, dismissing the idea that the conversation is closed as an outdated discourse from the 20th century.

Clashes with LGBTQ+ Rights and Conversion Therapy

Perhaps the most contentious aspect of Lanthier’s history is his stance on LGBTQ+ rights. In previous writings, he expressed discomfort with same-sex relationships and openly criticized gay marriage, claiming that the “LGBT lobby” won an ideological battle rather than a rational one.

Furthermore, Lanthier has been linked to the promotion of conversion therapies—practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation, which are legally restricted in Quebec. As a former vice-president of the organization Uni-T, Voix pour les valeurs chrétiennes (UVVC), he co-signed a brief arguing that laws against these therapies deprive individuals of essential “pastoral or psychological help.”

The Ideological Paradox: Lanthier vs. Eric Duhaime

The appointment of Lanthier creates a glaring paradox within the party. Eric Duhaime, the leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec, is openly gay. The juxtaposition of a party leader’s identity with a candidate who has historically questioned the rationality of gay marriage and supported conversion therapy has raised questions about the party’s cohesive vision.

• The Candidate: Advocates for traditional gender roles and opposes LGBTQ+ equality.
• The Leader: A prominent figure in Quebec politics who represents a more diverse conservative front.

Lanthier’s Response to the Allegations

When contacted regarding these findings, Éric Lanthier deferred the inquiry to the PCQ. In a formal statement released via the party, Lanthier attempted to pivot toward a message of inclusivity:

“I am a man who respects people, regardless of their orientation, ethnic origin, or decisions. I am a philanthropist… I know the positions of the Conservative Party of Quebec well and I commit to respecting them.”

As the election cycle progresses, the PCQ will likely have to navigate the balance between diversifying its candidate pool and maintaining a consistent ideological image under the leadership of Eric Duhaime. For more information on Quebec’s current political climate, you can follow updates via CBC News Montreal.