Premier Legault Doubles Down On His Claim That Systemic Racism Doesn't Exist In Quebec

During his public briefing about COVID-19 on Monday, June 1, Premier François Legault spoke out about the murder of George Floyd. He said he "stand[s] in solidarity with the people who denounce racial violence." During the question period of the conference, he compared the United States to Quebec, saying racism is not as bad here and that "there's some discrimination in Quebec, but there's no systemic discrimination."

He went on to say "there's no system in Quebec of discrimination. And it's a very, very small minority of the people that are doing some discrimination." 

The following day, a journalist questioned Legault on why he believes there's no systemic racism or discrimination that exists in Quebec.

After Philip Authier from the Montreal Gazette asked the premier for his reasons behind saying this, while announcing that the Canadian Human Rights Commission says there is in fact systemic racism that exists here, Legault explained why he thinks there isn't — even if reports have said otherwise.

His main reason being "the vast majority of Quebecers are not racist." 

I have included the full conversation between the journalist and the premier below.

Here is a live video of the entire press conference from June 2.

At around 1:01:00, the journalist asked Legault about the comment he made yesterday regarding there being "no systemic racism in Quebec."

Authier asked, "I just want to return to the question of systemic racism. Some people yesterday were disappointed that you said there is no systemic discrimination, no systemic racism in Quebec. The Human Rights Commission has said it exists […] Why do you say it does not exist?"

Legault's response was, "because for me, the vast majority of Quebecers are not racist.

"And I don't see a system, an organized system, in the police community or anywhere that is having discrimination as a system.

"That's it."

On June 1, the premier of Quebec said he stands in solidarity with the protestors who attended the Montreal demonstration for justice for George Floyd and all other victims of police racism.

"All human beings are equal... regardless of the colour of their skin," François Legault told everyone during Monday's press conference.