QUEBEC - The potential realignment of Quebec's political cosmos came closer to reality Tuesday with the arrival of a long-awaited new party aimed at changing the political dialogue in the province.
Former Parti Quebecois cabinet minister Francois Legault filed the paperwork to start the party which has only existed in the realm of the hypothetical until now.
The Coalition pour l'avenir du Quebec (Coalition For Quebec's Future) is being touted as right of centre on economic issues, left of centre on social policy, and nowhere on the issue of Quebec independence.
After 40 years in which the sovereignty issue has dominated political discussion and deeply divided Quebecers, Legault says it's time to shelve the issue for the foreseeable future.
Legault says he still considers himself a Quebec sovereigntist -- but he would rather work with Quebecers of all stripes to tackle the social and economic challenges the province faces.
He promises not to hold a sovereignty referendum if he's elected.
It appears many Quebecers are receptive to his message: the CAQ, which until now has essentially been a think-tank, has held a huge lead over existing parties in recent opinion polls.
Legault's opponents say they're glad he's finally stepping into the ring.
They say he will now be forced to take positions on issues of the day and play by the same financial rules as everyone else.
