Young Quebecers are increasingly aligning with conservative values, as highlighted by activists Éloïse Coulombe and Joey Aubé of the Génération Ambition movement. They argue that this trend does not signify a loss of progressive ideals but rather a desire for practical solutions to issues like the housing crisis. They emphasize that conservatism promotes personal freedoms and individual responsibility, countering misconceptions about its stance on women’s rights and other progressive issues.
Young Quebecers Embrace Conservative Values
There’s a notable trend among the youth in Quebec as they increasingly gravitate towards the right and the Conservative Party of Canada. However, two passionate activists argue that this shift does not indicate a decline in progressive values among their peers. Instead, they aim to challenge and dismantle the misconceptions surrounding their political beliefs.
Rethinking Conservatism: A New Perspective
In a recent interview on the program “Le Bilan,” Éloïse Coulombe and Joey Aubé, co-founders of the Génération Ambition movement, shared their insights on why an expanding number of young individuals resonate with conservative ideals. Éloïse expressed her interest in pressing issues like property access, emphasizing that the right could offer viable solutions to tackle these challenges. “For me, this will provide support for my generation,” she stated.
She believes that the Conservative Party can play a crucial role in addressing the current housing crisis by streamlining regulations to accelerate building construction. “Being on the right also encompasses values tied to freedom, individual responsibility, autonomy, and a smaller government,” she explained. “When I think of the right, I envision greater personal freedoms.”
Joey added that his generation has experienced numerous interventionist and progressive governments, which he believes have led to inflation and skyrocketing real estate prices. “Our generation is the first in history, in the Western world, to be poorer than our parents’ generation,” he noted. He pointed out the diminishing financial opportunities for young people today compared to previous generations.
Many young individuals, both men and women, are grappling with a sense of hopelessness regarding their futures, questioning the circumstances that have led to their current situation. They reflect on the impact of expansive government spending and wonder if a different approach might yield better outcomes.
While young women tend to be less drawn to conservative values, often due to concerns about potential rollbacks on women’s rights, Éloïse insists that conservatism in Quebec is not synonymous with being anti-abortion or anti-progress. “It’s about cherishing freedom and restoring trust in individuals,” she said. “Conservatism promotes the idea that people should have the right to make their own choices, including access to abortion. There’s a significant misunderstanding around this issue, especially in Quebec.”
To delve deeper into this conversation, be sure to watch the full interview in the video above.