Last night was a big night. I made myself a warm cup of tea, and settled in to watch the election results. Yesterday marked a big day for my province of Quebec- Election Day. We elected a new Premier to lead our province. The first female ever actually, but one who feels Quebec would be best run as its own country. Yes, COUNTRY. Pauline Marois would like Quebec to separate from the rest of Canada. This is who we elected as our new Premier.

Unfortunately in many ways, things went wrong.

Results - The Parti Quebecois is now leading with a minority government

If you’re unfamiliar with Quebec politics, I am not going to get into it here. But basically, in a province where Francophones and Anglophones could live so peacefully together, where we could thrive and prosper as a culturally diverse and unique mecca, embracing two vibrant communities as one, instead we live with a lot of divisiveness, separation of cultures, and animosity. That is the sadness that is Quebec politics.

If you’ve ever been to Montreal, you might agree we have one of the most beautiful, AND coolest cities in the world.  And I am not alone. Jay Baruchel, actor and Montreal resident best known for his roles in Almost Famous, Million Dollar Baby, Knocked Up, and How To Train Your Dragon, feels the same as I do.

Jay Baruchel

We were chatting on Twitter last night, and Jay told me he’s been nervous about the election for the past month. I asked him why? Why care so much about Quebec politics- as an actor, his career depends so little on the political climate. Why be so nervous about the results when he can live anywhere?

I confess, his answer made me tear up a little.

I love this guy. On a side-note, read his Twitter stream from the past 12 hours. Pretty awesome.

So after the Liberals were outvoted with a minority government in place led by the Parti Quebecois, the evening took a frightening turn. An armed man in his early fifties, in a blue bathrobe, entered the Montreal building where Pauline Marois, our new Premier of Quebec was giving her acceptance speech and opened fire, shooting two people.

It was a scene out of a movie… Pauline Marois being whisked off the stage by her security team.

One man has died. What a tragedy.

All I can say is, watching Michelle Obama at the Democratic Convention was a breath of fresh air after what went on here last night.

In case you missed it, watch here…

Today, there seem to be a lot of questions. Quebecers left wondering what our province will look like going forward.

But despite these questions, it’s business as usual. The wheel still turns.

I’d love to know, what are your thoughts on the election results? Are you on the fence about anything? What do the results this mean for the future of this province? How can Quebec live in harmony and respect the rights of both its anglophones and francophones? Why can’t we embrace our similarities instead of our focus on our differences?

xoxEDxox