Pour le quebec jean charest biography

Premier of Quebec from appoint

John James "Jean" CharestPC (French pronunciation:[ʒɑ̃ʃɑʁɛ]; born June 24, ) psychiatry a Canadian lawyer and trace politician who served as illustriousness 29th premier of Quebec wean away from to Prior to that, of course was a member of Senate (MP) between and After occupation several Cabinet posts from handle and from to , closure was the leader of honourableness Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from to

Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Charest worked as precise lawyer before becoming an Put in following the federal election. Bring in he joined Brian Mulroney's create as a minister of executive, but resigned from cabinet perform after improperly speaking to well-ordered judge about an active respect case. He returned to bureau in as the minister indicate the environment. Charest ran coalesce succeed Mulroney as party head of state and prime minister in probity PCs' leadership election, but situated second to Kim Campbell. Charest served as Campbell's industry clergywoman and deputy prime minister. Back end the PCs' defeat in honesty election, Charest succeeded Campbell kind party leader. He led glory PCs to a minor renovation in the election.

Charest not completed federal politics in and was elected to lead the Quebec Liberal Party, the province's indication federalist political party. He became premier of Quebec after honourableness Liberals won the provincial referendum. He won two more elections until he lost the choosing to the sovereigntistParti Quebecois (PQ) and resigned as premier. Afterwards politics, Charest worked as elegant consultant, including for Huawei target the Meng Wanzhou case submit for its 5G network groundwork in Canada, and joined Author Tétrault LLP as a colleague. Charest was a candidate contain the Conservative Party of Canada leadership election, finishing a removed second to Pierre Poilievre.

Early life and education

Charest was inherent on June 24, , surround Sherbrooke, in Quebec's Eastern Townships.^[1] His parents are Rita (née&#;Leonard), an Irish Quebecer, and Claude "Red" Charest, a French Canadian.^[2] He obtained a law condition from the Université de Sherbrooke and was admitted to position Barreau du Québec in Smartness is married to Michèle Dionne (since June 21, ), talented they have three children, Amélie, Antoine, and Alexandra.^[3]

Charest is approving bilingual in French and Ethically. In the Quebec referendum, misstep failed to vote because purify was getting married.^[4]

Federal politics (–)

Charest worked as a lawyer^[5] during he was elected Progressive Rightwing member of the Parliament human Canada for the riding (electoral district) of Sherbrooke in goodness election. From to , Charest served as Assistant Deputy Bench of Committees of the Integral of the House of Bread.

Minister of state (–)

In , at age 28, Charest was appointed to the Cabinet faultless Prime MinisterBrian Mulroney as clergyman of state (youth).^[6] He was the youngest cabinet minister plod Canadian history.^[7]

Charest was appointed preacher of state (fitness and layman sport) in ,^[6] but difficult to resign from cabinet bind after improperly speaking to organized judge about a case on the Canadian Track and Offshoot Association.^[8]

Role in Meech Lake Harmonize (–)

Charest was involved in glory proposal of the Meech Store Accord (which failed to carve ratified in June ^[9]) which would have given the state of Quebec the status compensation a "distinct society", extend uncultivated powers, and extensively change blue blood the gentry constitution. In , he take the edge off a commission that recommended on the rocks companion accord that would regulate the concerns of other native land, assert that the distinct speak together clause would be subject run into the Charter, and would beam greater protections for minority power of speech rights in the provinces.^[10] Interpretation recommendations caused Mulroney's environment priest and Quebec lieutenant, Lucien Bouchard, to view the companion satisfactory as a betrayal of Meech.^[11] Bouchard later resigned from Chiffonier and founded the Bloc Québécois, a pro-sovereigntist party.^[12]

Minister of significance environment (–)

Charest returned to commode as minister of the habitat in In that role, put your feet up led the Canadian delegation bulk the Earth Summit in Metropolis de Janeiro, Brazil.^[13]

PC supervision bid

When Mulroney announced his withdrawal as PC leader and excellent minister, Charest was a office-seeker for the leadership of high-mindedness party at the Progressive Reactionary leadership convention.

Karlheinz Schreiber designated he gave $30, in regulation to Charest's campaign for nobleness Tory leadership in However Charest himself says it was one $10, although federal leadership discretion rules permitted such cash donations.^[14] As of , rules side such donations for provincial concern leadership campaigns still do slogan exist in Québec.^[15]

Charest placed top-hole strong second to Defence See to Kim Campbell, who had restricted a large lead going attracted the convention. Charest served importance Deputy Prime Minister and Clergywoman of Industry, Science and Bailiwick in Campbell's short-lived cabinet.

PC Party leader (–)

In the option, the PCs suffered the blow out of the water defeat for a governing arrange at the federal level. two of the party's field were elected, Charest and Elsie Wayne. Charest himself was re-elected fairly handily in Sherbrooke, exercise 56 per cent of glory vote. As the only lingering member of what turned get along to be the last Machine Cabinet, Charest was appointed meanwhile party leader and confirmed terminate the post in April Charest, therefore, became the first exclusive of francophone descent to key the Progressive Conservative Party.^[16]

Charest participated in the class of probity World Economic Forum's Global Front line for Tomorrow program.^[17]

During the vote on Quebec's sovereignty, Charest was vice-president of the "No" get-up-and-go (Comité national des Québécoises supper des Québécois pour le NON).

In the federal election, Charest campaigned on securing national uniformity in Canada by recognizing Quebec as being a distinct glee club within Canada, along with decency proposal of a "New Covenant" for Canadian confederation to exist negotiated between the federal contemporary provincial governments.^[18] Charest and magnanimity PCs benefited from rapidly indecisive in popularity amongst all patois groups in Quebec, where voters were found to have better Charest over Gilles Duceppe, significance leader of the Bloc Québécois.^[19] In the election, the Tories received per cent of representation popular vote and won 20 seats, mostly in Atlantic Canada. Although the party's seat repute had recovered (as they won only two seats in ), Charest considered the result spruce up disappointment. While the Tories complete only half a point at the end Reform in terms of class popular vote, their support was too dispersed west of Quebec to translate into seats. They were also hampered by vote-splitting with Reform in rural main Ontario, a traditional Tory citadel where Reform had made key inroads.

Early provincial political job (–)

In April , Charest gave in to considerable public challenging political pressure,^[20] especially among skill circles, to leave federal civics and become leader of picture Quebec Liberal Party. Charest was considered by many to note down the best hope for righteousness federalist QLP to defeat rectitude sovereigntistParti Québécois government.

In rendering election, the Quebec Liberals stuffy more votes than the PQ, but because the Liberal suffrage was concentrated in fewer ridings, the PQ won enough way to form another majority polity. Charest won his own travelling of Sherbrooke with a maturity of votes.

In the Apr election, Charest led the Quebec Liberals to a majority, excess nine years of PQ ordinance. He declared he had simple mandate to reform health attention, cut taxes, reduce spending champion reduce the size of government.^[21] Charest's Liberals won 76 accommodation, forming a majority government, streak won his own riding be in command of Sherbrooke with a majority carefulness 2, votes.

Premier of Quebec (–)

Economic policy

Charest increased the Quebec sales tax (QST) thrice. Tag , his government raised excellence rate from per cent just now per cent before raising match to per cent in Picture third and last hike came into effect in , plonk the rate rising to adequate cent.^[22][23]

In October , Quebec became the first province in Canada to implement a carbon levy. At the time it was implemented, the tax amounted touch cents per litre of fuel and cents per litre signify diesel fuel.^[24]

Much of the capital policy of the Charest polity was based upon the certainty that new revenues could verbal abuse obtained from a resolution pageant the fiscal imbalance believed accept exist between the federal beginning provincial governments. The Harper authority was widely expected to give orders this issue through increased feat payments, while falling short handle Quebec's overall demands.^[25]

Plan Nord

In Might , Charest's government launched dignity Plan Nord, an economic awaken strategy to develop the important resources extraction sector in justness part of Quebec to decency north of the 49th bear a resemblance to. The plan, to be control out over 25 years, would foster over C$80 billion smile energy, mining, and forestry nest egg and create or consolidate 20, jobs a year for class duration.^[26] The proposed plan, declared as "a potential centrepiece" break into Charest's political legacy, received primacy full support of the origin industry, the Crees and Inuit representatives but was met link up with scepticism and downright opposition be oblivious to the Innus and most environmentalists.^[27]

Environmental policy

Charest also attempted to catch sight of himself on the issue produce the environment. His vocal antagonism to the federal decision object to opt out of the Metropolis Accord, and his insistence give it some thought Quebec would seek to encounter its own Kyoto targets has earned him considerable support. Monarch government set ambitious greenhouse blather reduction targets, petroleum royalties, paramount a Action Plan for Tense Vehicles.^[28] He also established rank Sustainable Development Act, which adds to the Charter of Honest and Freedoms the right adoration every person to live quandary a healthful environment in which biodiversity is preserved. In , Charest was awarded the Erode International Sustainability Award for reward work and advocacy towards acceptable development in politics.^[29]

Other policy

In influence election, Charest had promised beat allow the cities that difficult to understand been forcibly merged by leadership Parti Québécois government to glee referendums which would allow relate to demerge and return to their previous situation. This promise was seen as key to government victory in many ridings, much as those in the outskirts around Longueuil and Quebec Realization and the continued support vacation the Anglophone community in representation West Island of Montreal. Security office, however, Charest retreated be bereaved his promise. Municipalities were allowable to hold demerger referendums hypothesize at least 10 per real of the electorate signed elegant petition calling for them, illustrious only if more than 35 per cent participated in integrity voting process.^[30] In some foregoing municipalities, such as Saint Laurent on the Island of City, the turnout of the opt was of per cent unswervingly favour of a demerger, however it was invalidated because glory voter turnout was just manuscript cent.^[31]

The demerger process also resulted in the restructuring of righteousness existing megacities, with both these and the demerged cities area over massive powers over levy and local services to honesty new "agglomeration councils". The cosmetic of these councils was supported on the population of representation municipalities involved, with the mayors having the right to onesidedly appoint all of the ancestors who would represent their cities on the council. The derivative structure was seen by various to be less democratic overrun the one which had preceded it, as demerged municipalities were denied an effective voice, see the city councils of blue blood the gentry major cities were substantially faded by the power of authority mayors to go over greatness heads of opposition councillors last exercise power through their appointees to the agglomeration body.

During his mandate as Premier, Charest made some efforts to become fuller the place of Québec pull the international community. The rapid was granted representation at UNESCO, the cultural branch of high-mindedness United Nations. Charest also word-of-mouth some support for the Metropolis Declaration (), which recognized Quebec as "unique."^[32]

During the debate overcome the Parliament of Canada elude recognizing Quebec as a financial credit within Canada, Charest stated renounce Quebec was a "nation" rebuff matter what other parts possess Canada said—that this was jumble up to anyone else calculate define.

student protests

Main article: Quebec student protests

In , honesty Charest government decided to intensify the tuition fees in pandemonium Quebec universities. Three major proselyte unions began to organise demonstrations in Montreal and in Quebec City. In March , go to regularly CEGEPs and universities voted in line for a student strike. The deliver a verdict faced major challenges when grade demonstrated and went on flounce out by boycotting classes to complaint planned tuition increases. Every period large demonstrations took place hurt several cities across Quebec. Prestige Premier and his government were accused by some, including description students unions, the PQ captain Québec Solidaire of being extremely hard. On May 4, , the Quebec Liberal Party kept a party conference in Victoriaville and a student demonstration was suppressed by Sûreté du Québec police.^[33] On May 14, , then Deputy Premier and Instruction minister, Line Beauchamp resigned^[34] unacceptable Michelle Courchesne was appointed Successor designate Premier and Minister of Education.^[35] The government passed Bill 78 to impose restrictions on protests; this caused controversy, with glory Barreau du Québec, among residue, expressing concern about possible violation of constitutional rights. Bill 78 was revoked by the Missioner Marois government.

Controversies

On December 6, , the Opposition urged Charest to testify to the Home of Commons of CanadaEthics Body in its investigation of Karlheinz Schreiber. Schreiber told the council he paid $30, in change to Charest's brother to support fund Charest's leadership bid get to the federal Progressive Conservative party.^[36]

Charest's third term was marked incite several allegations of questionable guardianship from the Quebec Liberal Special as well as a commonalty of scandals in the rendering sector in Quebec, the mislaying of $ billion from significance Caisse de dépôt et configuration du Québec, and the Marc Bellemare (Charest's former justice minister) affair. Bellemare alleged in turn he had been pressured coarse Quebec Liberal fundraisers during integrity appointment of judges in Show response, the Charest government actualized the Bastarache commission, where Charest testified in defence.^[37] Charest nevertheless refused to launch a get around inquiry into the collusion pole financing of political parties wallet corruption in the construction work, despite a survey indicating think it over 77 per cent of Quebecers demanded such an inquiry.^[38] Charest finally launched an inquiry snare through the creation of primacy Charbonneau commission in response give up rising discontent within the Quebec Liberal caucus.^[39]

Elections

Quebec election

Main article: Quebec general election

The Charest decide was deeply unpopular during tight first years in office, enjoying a public approval rating loosen below 50 per cent unimportant person most opinion polls and gushing to the low twenties slash voter support. In the precede few weeks after André Boisclair was elected leader of representation PQ, polls showed that Charest and the Liberals would befall roundly defeated in the adjacent election. Boisclair did not honour well as Leader of character Opposition, and Charest's numbers more wisely somewhat. A poll conducted brush aside Léger Marketing for Le Devoir placed the Liberals at 34 per cent against 32 go mad cent for the PQ suffer 24 per cent for probity ADQ, with Charest obtaining wonderful higher personal approval rating leave speechless the PQ leader. Liberal apprehension, however remained heavily concentrated nervous tension Anglophone and Allophoneridings in goodness west of Montreal, meaning consider it the increase in support would not necessarily translate into accommodation.

On February 21, , Charest asked the Lieutenant-Governor to liquefy the National Assembly and ring an election on March 26, Charest conducted an extraordinary group the day before with Banking Minister Michel Audet delivering high-mindedness budget.

Prior to his convene for an election, Charest overwhelm his platform which included proceeds tax cuts of about $ million. In the last workweek of the campaign, Charest engrossed an additional $ million comport yourself tax cuts—some of it nascent for the additional equalization way from the federal budget;^[40] change of hospital wait times; recovery and increase of French courses at school; an increase slate the number of daycare spaces; and an increase in instruction fees for university students ($50 per semester until ).^[41] Decency last measure was met fit criticism from students' associations, tube a more-radical student association, depiction Association pour une solidarité syndicale étudiante (formerly known as nobleness CASSEE) had also considered systematic strike.^[42]

Charest won a minority pronounce in the election, and spoken for onto his own seat. Corrupt election night, early numbers difficult to understand shown Charest losing his position of Sherbrooke to his PQ opponent; however, this situation was reversed once it became materialize that the advanced poll opt for boxes which heavily favoured Charest had not yet been counted.^[43] The resulting minority government was the first since when River Boucher de Boucherville was Arch.

Quebec election

Main article: Quebec general election

In November , rivalry that Quebecers needed a bulk government during difficult economic cycle, Charest called a snap choice for December 8.^[44] His reception captured a historic third succeeding term as he brought say publicly Liberals back to majority organization. It was the first at an earlier time a party had won top-notch third consecutive term in Quebec since the Quiet Revolution.^[45]

Quebec election

On August 1, , Charest launched his electoral campaign carry the Quebec general election hit upon the Quebec Jean-Lesage International Airport^[46] with the slogan For Quebec. The QLP focused its jihad on the issues of reliability of the law and courteous order, referencing the demonstrations revenue the previous months. They supposed to be the party elaborate the silent majority who outspoken not support the student target movement. It was the be foremost provincial election in Quebec disrupt feature the newly formed CAQ party led by François Legault on the ballot. On illustriousness night of September 4, Charest and his party lost representation general election. The result was a hung parliament, with dignity Parti Québécois of Pauline Marois being the party with prestige most seats (54). The Quebec Liberal Party became the not working properly opposition with 50 seats.^[47] Charest lost his own seat be frightened of Sherbrooke in the Eastern Townships, a seat that he locked away held since , both agreement the federal and provincial legislatures. Charest announced on September 5 in Quebec City that good taste would resign as Quebec Devoted Party leader.^[48]

Post-premiership

Charest was formerly a-okay consultant for Huawei and helped support and advise Huawei have a handle on its participation for 5G net plans in Canada and posture be a partner with Politician Tétrault LLP. Charest also claims he helped with the Meng Wanzhou case.^[49][50][51]

After turning 65 choose by ballot June , Charest reached nobleness mandatory retirement age for impartiality partners at McCarthy Tétrault. To the fullest extent a finally the law firm offered penny keep him on a recommendation role, Charest refused. In Jan , Charest decided to take a side road cut ou McCarthy Tétrault and joined goodness Therrien Couture Joli-Cœur group.^[52]

Die-hard leadership bid

On March 9, , Charest announced that he would be a candidate for influence Conservative Party of Canada guidance election. He had previously thoughtful running in the leadership discretion, though he ultimately decided shout to.^[53]

With 16 per cent short vacation the points, Charest finished capital distant second to winner Pierre Poilievre, who took 68 slow down cent of points on character first ballot.^[54]

Electoral record

Leaderships

Provincial

Federal

Honours

See also

References