# An Open Letter to Quebec's New Minister of Culture Artist Christian Lapointe urges Pascal Bérubé to prioritize artistic freedom and ethical governance. - **Source:** [Le Devoir](https://www.ledevoir.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9272d6cb-af05-4bea-ba56-29275d7bc298 ## A Call for Cultural Integrity Christian Lapointe, a multidisciplinary artist, addresses Pascal Bérubé following his appointment as Minister of Culture. The author emphasizes that the role demands a profound sense of responsibility toward the arts. He draws parallels between the natural cycles of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and the duty to protect the creative spirit of Quebec. ## Historical Lessons on Liberty The text invokes the memory of Rosa Luxemburg, who famously stated that freedom cannot exist only for government supporters. By referencing Jean Paul Riopelle’s Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg, the author reminds the minister that true culture thrives on dissent. Artists must remain free to express themselves without fear of political retribution or censorship. ## Critique of Political Polarization Lapointe warns against the growing trend of political polarization within the current administration. He criticizes the use of divisive rhetoric, such as labels like ultragauche or mass immigration, which he argues alienates the public. The author suggests that such strategies ultimately weaken the party’s standing and distort the true identity of citizens. ## The Responsibility of Governance The author urges the minister to reject the idea that national identity requires ideological purity. He highlights Quebec’s historical opposition to conscription and war as evidence of a collective desire for peace. By framing the minister as a guardian of culture, he demands a shift away from exclusionary and nationalist political narratives. ## Foreign Policy Demands A specific policy request is made regarding the Bureau du Québec in Tel-Aviv. Lapointe notes that the party previously advocated for freezing this office while in opposition. He now calls upon the minister to bring this demand to the Council of Ministers and officially close the bureau in light of recent international developments. ## The Role of Artists Lapointe argues that a nation cannot exist without the breath of its artists. He challenges the minister to ensure that his quest for freedom is not pursued at the expense of others. True cultural leadership, according to the author, involves fostering an environment where every voice can contribute to the collective identity. ## Refusing State-Sanctioned Violence The author reflects on the moral weight of actions, comparing the restraint of a hunter to the responsibilities of a politician. He warns that culture fails when it legitimizes state violence, whether economic, institutional, or physical. By lowering his weapon, the author symbolizes a commitment to non-violence and the preservation of human dignity. ## A Vision for the Future The letter concludes with a plea for the minister to act with conscience. Lapointe hopes that the motto Je me souviens will regain its depth through meaningful, ethical political action. He asserts that every word spoken by those in power makes a difference in shaping the moral landscape of the entire nation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ledevoir.com/opinion/chroniques/1023644/ou-nous-menerez-vous-monsieur-ministre-culture — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._