John Parisella, Quebec’s delegate-general to New York and a McGill alumnus, recently spoke to the Tribune about the Tea Party, U.S. congressional elections, and the prospects for high-speed rail travel between Montreal and New York. Parisella was kind enough to answer some questions before heading having dinner at his home with former Quebec Premier Daniel Johnson Jr.
What are some of your responsibilities as Quebec’s representative in New York?
My job is to promote and represent Quebec’s interests in the United States. We have three important priorities these days: trade issues, renewable energy, and promotion of a high-speed rail link between New York and Montreal.
You blogged on Maclean’s website this summer about taking the train from New York to Montreal.
Yes. Well, I wanted to live it, and I thought it was a smart thing to do because, first, the people in the high-speed rail community appreciated it. Secondly, it made the point [that current travel time between the two cities is too lengthy] — it’s not just theoretical. I actually lived it, and blogged it. Third, I think it was the right thing to do, and it gave this the right kind of attention.
What’s happening with the train? Is there any time frame we can look forward to?
Time frames are always difficult to point out. There’s two things to note: number one is that it’s the first time that high-speed rail is supported by the U.S. administration. The second reason is the appointment of the former Canadian ambassador to the United States during the Clinton years, Raymond Chrétien, the nephew of the former prime minister, as our emissary on that issue. That’s good because it gives us a leader who’s going to talk to all the other leaders in the United States. The Northeast corridor is the most densely populated area in North America, and we’d like to see ourselves as part of that. It’s hard to pinpoint a date, but the hope is that it can be done within this decade.
Do you have any thoughts about the upcoming U.S. midterm elections?
There are definitely polls indicating the Republicans are going to make some important gains in both houses of Congress. It’s clear that it’s not as easy to predict as one would think, because people don’t generally vote purely along party lines like we do in Canada. It all comes down to getting the vote out, making sure the enthusiasm factor works in your favour.
Do you think Quebec has any stakes in the outcome of the U.S. congressional elections?
Honestly, not really. The administration has indicated favour towards liberalized trade. We have had “Buy American” clauses put in, but that’s to be expected when you’re coming out of recession and jobs are hard to find. But overall the administration is in favour of freer trade. The administration is obviously behind high-speed rail, and in favour of renewable energy. Those things won’t change, because the administration will still be in power.
My experience talking to Republicans is that they, too, are in favour of free trade; in fact, they’ve been less protectionist than the Democrats. With high-speed rail, I get the sense that both parties seem to favour it, but Republicans are a little more skeptical on the cost involved. I think there wouldn’t be much of a difference, and [Quebecers] shouldn’t see ourselves as winners or losers in this election.
What are your thoughts on the Tea Party?
The Tea Party is a real, legitimate movement. It’s populist, it’s libertarian, it’s certainly conservative. It represents a lot of people’s anger. But I think the anger is more because of the state of the economy. One out of 10 Americans can’t meet his or her mortgage payments. One in six can’t find a job, or are unemployed, or have given up looking for a job. There’s a lot of anger and discouragement.
How do you find living in New York? Do you have any favourite spots?
New York is a great experience; it is truly an incredible city. Favourite spots: I would have to say the Upper West Side and Central Park, for the sense that you can get away from the rat race of New York and still stay in New York. The one thing that gets everybody talking and I show everybody is the High Line. I think it’s one of those great urban inventions. I’ve actually brought the mayor of Montreal to see it, and I’m bringing the mayor of Quebec City to see it when he’s visiting us next month. So I’m doing a lot of good promotion for the City of New York, I can assure you.
