Fatima Houda-Pepin, ex-Liberal, to run as independent

Fatima Houda-Pepin, the former Quebec Liberal MNA recently expelled from caucus for her pro-secularism position, will run as an independent in the expected upcoming election.

Houda-Pepin has held her seat in the riding of La Pinire on Montreals South Shore since 1994.

She said Tuesday that she has always served her riding in a non-partisan manner, saying that her only boss isthe Quebec population.

At a news conference at the national assembly, she thanked her constituents for their support during what she called a very difficult period over the past several months.

Who isGatanBarrette in LaPinire?- Fatima Houda-Pepin

Of her switch from being a LiberalMNAto an independent,Houda-Pepinsaid, "For me, it doesn't change much in my life."

She quit the Liberal caucus under duress in January after party leader Philippe Couillardtold her that herstance on the controversial Quebec secular charter of values was unwelcome in the party.

She will contend against the Liberals' new candidatein La Pinire, Gatan Barrette.

Couillard announced Barrette's candidacy on Monday.

Not threatened by Barrette

Houda-Pepin said she was not at all threatened by Barrette's attempt to grab aseat in the national assembly, calling him an opportunist who was looking for a "limousine" off the backs of La Pinire'speople.

"Who isGatanBarrette in LaPinire?"Houda-Pepinasked Tuesday. "How many times has he talked to you about LaPinire?"

Barrette ran under the Coalition AvenirQubec banner in the 2012 election. Party leader Franois Legaultcriticized Barrette on Twitter yesterday, saying he would do anything to be the new health minister.

Houda-Pepin on the defensive

The MNA, who currently sits as an independent in the national assembly, testily answered questions about vote-splitting in La Pinire.

She said it was Couillard who decided to exclude a deeply liberal and deeply federalist person from his party, adding that no one knew for certain what Barrette's true intentions were regarding federalism.

The only way not to split the vote in my riding is to vote for a true liberal and a true federalist," she said, referring to herself.

She said at the news conference that she would be seeking substantial financing, since themoneyshe fought hard for on the part of the Liberals over the past 20 years will now pay for Barrette's election posters.

She said in French that what people in La Pinireshould see when they come across Barrette posters in the coming election campaign, is "authorized by the Liberal Party of Quebec and paid for by Fatima Houda-Pepin."

Houda-Pepinwill be in the riding this afternoon to repeat the announcement and meet with local supporters.