Brothers Clash Politically: Vincent and Antonin Leroux Engage in Ideological Battle
A Family Divided by Politics, United by the Love for Canada
Navigating different political beliefs can lead to impossible conversations, fractured friendships, and families unable to speak to each other. But that's not the case for the Leroux clan. On Monday, brothers Vincent, 50, and Antonin, 48, made history by running for different political parties, each aiming for a seat in their respective ridings. Let's see how their next family gathering unfolds.
Vincent, a self-proclaimed conservative, laughed when asked about the upcoming reunion, "Nothing will change." Antonin, with a background in economics and administration, echoed that sentiment, having been the liberal candidate in Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier. "Not at all," he said, remaining unfazed about discussions around the dinner table. Their father, Loyola, supports the Bloc Québécois, adding an extra layer of diversity to their political views.
Vincent, an engineer owning his own firm, was the first to consider a political career. Last summer, when a friend from the Conservative Party of Canada sought a candidate in the Laurentians, he stepped up. Antonin supported his brother's ambition, though, they never objected to each other's party choice. "We had discussions, but at a certain point, when you're in politics, you realize it's pointless to argue and that there are people you won't convince," Antonin chuckled.
The brothers agreed that they worked towards the same goal: for Canada and a better life for their children. Their conversations quickly shifted to practical matters, such as managing volunteers and campaign finances. They aided each other, yet kept vital party strategies under wraps.
Loyola, their father, expressed pride in his sons, appreciating their dedication to their communities and society at large. Their varying political allegiances didn't bother him: "no party is 100% right," he pointed out, "and the one that wins must consider the opposition."
Why the Different Choices?
Antonin, now a vice-president for a company that supports entrepreneurs, never harbored political ambitions. He wasn't a lifelong liberal or party devotee. He had previously voted for the Bloc Québécois and even backed "Yes" in the 1995 referendum, like his brother Vincent. However, the deep political discord that's affecting the United States pushed him to seek a candicacy to prevent the drifts he observed south of the border. He disdains the use of discord to govern, which he believes undermines democracy.
The arrival of Mark Carney at the helm of the liberals paved a path for Antonin. The leader has the ability to make sound economic decisions and rally a significant portion of Canadians, he argued. Unity is essential in troubled times, according to Antonin. He praises the liberal leader for giving attention to the media, which are still healthy in Canada, unlike their American counterparts, which he suggests cause division. In contrast, he views the conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, as embodying this negative American vision of the media and institutions, as he does not collaborate well with journalists.
Vincent, on the other hand, has traditionally leaned towards the ideas of the Conservative Party, which focuses on sound management of public finances and avoids reckless spending. "It's time to close the liberal bar," he declared. He supports reducing the size of the government to allow a larger labor force to participate in productive industries. He advocates for reducing taxes and tariffs. Despite prejudices against his party, he had to clarify that he did not intend to tie women to the kitchen. He enjoyed discussing with voters ways to tackle inflation and improve infrastructure, a significant issue in his county.
Vincent understands why Antonin supports Mark Carney, this "economic maestro" whose skills he already respected before the elections. However, Antonin's arguments did not sway him. "I'm not entirely convinced that the liberals would be a catastrophic government, though," he admits.
According to Loyola, his sons are not "excessive" individuals. Understanding family is more important than politics to him.
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- Antonin, a vice-president for a company supporting entrepreneurs, ran as a candidate for the Liberal Party, influenced by the leadership of Mark Carney, whom he believes can make sound economic decisions and provide unity in tough times.
- Vincent, with a background in engineering and conservatism, chose to run for the Conservative Party, advocating for sound management of public finances, reducing government size, and lowering taxes and tariffs.
- Despite their political differences, the brothers agree that they work towards the same goal: building a better life for their children and contributing to their communities.
- Loyola, their father, appreciates his sons' dedication and political diversity, reiterating that family unity is more important than political allegiances.
