When reporters asked Mark Carney about Steven Guilbeault’s decision to quit the Liberal caucus and his seat, months after walking out of cabinet over the Alberta MOU, the Prime Minister was gracious. He wished him and his family well. As reported by Radio-Canada, Carney said: “C’est sa décision, c’est normal, c’est la vie” — it’s his decision, it’s normal, that’s life.
Carney came to office with a French that even friendly observers called tentative. But a Prime Minister saying “c’est la vie” about a cabinet minister leaving over principle is a careful and deliberate choice of words. There’s no apology in it, no spin. It says: this is what needed to happen in this moment, and yes, people will leave.
Carney is simply a bit smarter and bit more subtle than screaming meemee Guilbeault.
