Thierno Diallo, born in Kérouané, Guinea, is a candidate for the Quebec provincial parliament in the Mercier constituency in Montreal. He is running under the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) in the general election scheduled for October 5. If elected, Diallo will be one of 125 members of the National Assembly of Quebec and could potentially be part of the government majority.
Diallo's academic and professional background is diverse. He studied law in Morocco and France, where he also taught. He holds a master's degree in public program evaluation from the École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP) in Quebec. His experience spans economic development, academia, and community work. Notably, he served as vice-president of the Quebec Cooperative Housing Federation.
Diallo's decision to run for office was inspired by his community work experience. He observed firsthand the challenges faced by families, including housing, childcare, and recognition of foreign credentials. He realized that listening and advising were insufficient and that he needed to be part of the decision-making process. His friends, who have been involved in politics, approached him, and he decided to run based on his long-held conviction of giving back to society.
This is Diallo's first engagement with a political party, having chosen the Liberal Party of Quebec due to its vision of an open and confident Quebec that prioritizes education and inclusivity. Previously, his involvement was mainly in community and institutional work, particularly in cooperative housing, which provided him with governance and collective work experience without party affiliation.
Diallo has never been a candidate or elected official before. He brings a non-traditional background to politics, having worked in academia, institutions, and communities. He views this as a strength, as he enters politics to serve with a fresh perspective and lived experience of the issues he aims to address.
If elected, Diallo aims to increase the representation of immigrants and the African diaspora in Quebec's political life. He wants to demonstrate that it is possible to be born in Guinea, grow up elsewhere, and become a legitimate and effective political actor in one's adopted society without denying one's origins. He also advocates for policies that are more responsive to people's needs and translate into concrete results.
Diallo's personal life and journey inspire him. He is motivated by his family, including his wife, Fatoumata Yarie Traoré, and their four children. His own experiences with challenges and uncertainties have taught him that obstacles should not be excuses but reasons to move forward. He believes that education is a powerful tool for liberation and hopes to give back to Quebec and Guinea by serving in the provincial parliament.
Key points
- Thierno Diallo is the Liberal Party of Quebec's candidate in the Mercier constituency for the October 5 provincial election.
- Diallo aims to increase representation of immigrants and the African diaspora in Quebec's political life.
- His personal journey and family inspire his political ambitions and commitment to public service.
