T. Auguste: the Haitian community rallies behind her
Jean Numa Goudou ·
Anger, disappointment, "racism" — the Haitian community of Terrebonne does not mince words when it comes to describing the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal elections.
Anger, disappointment, "racism" — the Haitian community of Terrebonne is pulling no punches in describing the Supreme Court's decision to annul the federal election in that riding, following lengthy electoral and legal battles. Two weeks ago, Tatiana Auguste took part in the Afro Youth Summit in Montreal.
"I received the news with great disappointment," says Dr. Harry Max Prochette, a physician at Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur and a Terrebonne resident. However, the doctor believes this will have the effect of awakening the "political consciousness" of Black communities.
"Before, Haitians who are my neighbors would tell me: what's the point of going to vote. Now, they tell me not only will they go vote, but they will also bring their children." — Dr. Harry Max Prochette
"Even though the news is negative, and even if the elections will take place in six months at the earliest, we need to organize so that Tatiana comes back as our Member of Parliament," urges the doctor, who reminds everyone that this is ultimately "a court decision." "All we can do is organize ourselves for next time."
Several members of other Black communities have been reaching out to him to express their support and disappointment. "Some are telling me that the negligence of last time will not happen again."
Most community members carry out their activities in Montreal and did not see much point in mobilizing in Terrebonne. Furthermore, during the last election, there were at least two candidates of Haitian origin, "which resulted in splitting the vote," according to Dr. Prochette's analysis.
Racism
The Executive Director of Radio Centre-ville, Wannex Lalanne Zéphyr, who also lives in Terrebonne, goes so far as to cry "racism" in response to the decision by the country's highest court.
"I was expecting a favorable outcome and I'm wondering on what basis the court decided to annul the election," he says. "The real question I'm asking myself: are these elections being annulled because it's Tatiana Auguste? Do her background and her name not influence this decision?" adds Mr. Lalanne.
Prior to the Supreme Court's decision, the Quebec Superior Court had found a case of "human error" — a ballot that had not been counted. Canada Post had returned a ballot cast in favor of Ms. Sinclair-Desgagné due to an incorrect postal code.
"The Member of Parliament should not have to pay for this human error," says Mr. Lalanne, adding that Tatiana Auguste is "a Haitian woman facing a White woman. Does that not work against her?"
At the very least, the Terrebonne resident believes this is "a lesson that we Haitians will need to learn from." "If there had been 3 or 4 more Haitians who had turned out, we would not be in this situation today," Wannex Lalanne insists, before calling on the community to rally around Tatiana.
Mobilizing further
The Executive Director of the Bureau de la communauté haïtienne de Montréal (BCHM), Ruth Pierre-Paul, a Terrebonne resident, says she "respects" the Supreme Court's decision. However, she makes no effort to conceal her "disappointment."
"Tatiana Auguste is a role model for young people and she reflects their aspirations," says Ms. Pierre-Paul. Moreover, she deeply cares about the issues young people face, particularly in schools. The Terrebonne resident is calling for greater mobilization of the Haitian and Black community in politics.
"The community has a duty. People turned out during the last election, but it was not enough," says Ms. Pierre-Paul. In her view, early voting must be prioritized come the next election. "That is where it needs to happen.
Because on election day, there is less flexibility for those who work or have other obligations." — R. Pierre-Paul