PQ plays down impact of ADQ's new recruits

QUEBEC CITY - Parti Quebecois MNAs are playing down the conversion of two long-time sovereignists to the Action Democratique. Over the weekend, former PQ minister Jean Garon, and former Hydro Quebec president Andre Caille took part in an ADQ general council meeting. Caille has expressed interest in running for the party.

"They're has-beens," said longtime Hochelaga-Maisonneuve MNA Louise Harel, arriving for a PQ caucus meeting in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

ADQ leader Mario Dumont denounced the comments, which he said were especially inappropriate, coming from the PQ's critic on issues facing the elderly.

"The use of that expression clearly means in some way that (you think) at a certain age people's... contribution to Quebec society is not welcome anymore," said Dumont.

But, Dumont says the fact the two sovereignists are now backing his party is a sign Quebec has moved on to new issues, and away from what he calls "the old debate" over sovereignty.

The ADQ leader is demanding an apology from PQ leader Pauline Marois over Harel's comments.

Later in the day, Harel apologized. She says the comments had nothing to do with Garon and Caille's age. The former municipal affairs minister pointed out Garon says he remains a sovereignist.

Rousseau MNA Francois Legault, and Chicoutimi MNA Stephane Bedard however, added they felt both men were "opportunists."

(Canadian Press contributed to this report)