The Plaid du Québec could soon become the province’s official tartan.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve MNA Alexandre Leduc introduced Bill 590 on April 2 at the National Assembly to amend the act respecting the flag and emblems of Quebec to officially recognize the Plaid du Québec tartan.
Leduc was wearing a tie made from the vibrant tartan as he tabled the private members bill just days before National Tartan Day on April 6. Leduc recently took up the charge to see the province adopt the tartan, which was first initiated by an Ormstown resident, Linda Janes, in 2019.
Before introducing the proposed amendment, Leduc thanked Janes as well as Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette and her predecessor, Claire IsaBelle, and “all the lovers of Scottish culture” for supporting his effort.
“To be perfectly honest, I never thought it would go anywhere, but it has!” said Janes, who received a phone call from Leduc on the morning of April 2.
She also received a call from Mallette’s office, with instructions to visit her social media page where Leduc’s address had been posted. “They told me to be sure I was sitting down first,” recounted Janes, with a laugh.
“This is a wonderful recognition of our identity and heritage, of which we can all be proud,” said Mallette, who expressed her admiration for Janes and her dedication to this project.
Leduc is now actively seeking widespread support from the Scottish community and locals to help push the bill through before the legislative session breaks for summer.
“I’m very proud of it, finally,” said Janes, who hopes to be at the National Assembly in person if and when the bill is adopted.