‘The best of the worst’: Anglo leaders react to PQ minority victory

English language voters say their concerns were sidelined during the election campaign.

At a TV watch party for anglos at the headquarters of advocacy group TALQ, the mood shifted from fear to stoical acceptance Monday night to news the Parti Québécois will form the next provincial government.

“Oh my God! Oh my God!” some members of the group of two dozen exclaimed when CTV Montreal initially posted the unconfirmed number of the PQ capturing 64 seats at 8:50 p.m. — enough for a majority in the National Assembly, and paving the way for a promised referendum on Quebec independence.

An hour later, however, the anxious mood in TALQ’s downtown offices lifted after CTV declared a minority government for the PQ, likely holding in abeyance its referendum plans.

“PSPP in his recent statements said he would be more than happy to work with the English-speaking community,” said Sylvia Martin-Laforge, director general of TALQ, alluding to PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, now the premier-designate.