QUEBEC CITY, January 12, 2001 – During an emotional news conference leader of the separatist Parti Quebecois and Premier of Quebec, Lucien Bouchard, spoke sadly about failing to achieve his dream of an independent Quebec confirming that he is stepping down as party leader and premier.
Premier Bouchard said it’s time for someone else to lead the sovereigntist cause. He thanked his supporters and family, especially his wife Audrey, whom he said has given more than he can ever give back. He said his two young sons need him now. ”Alexander and Simon need me and I need them. I need to give my best energy and quality time for the future.”
Bouchard had no kind words for his enemies, and took aim at those in the party who had criticized him during the recent controversy with hardliner Yves Michaud, a popular PQ member who made some comments that offended the Jewish community. Bouchard ordered him to retract; Michaud refused.
Bouchard has had a strained relationship with hardliners in the party, who have frequently questioned his commitment to the sovereigntist cause.
Bouchard succeeded Jacques Parizeau as premier just a few months after the Yes side lost the sovereignty referendum in the fall of 1995. He often promised to hold a third sovereignty referendum when so-called winning conditions were achieved.
His resignation comes as support has dwindled for the separatist movement. Most Quebec residents have indicated they were fed up with the issue after the 1995 defeat.
In November 1998, the Parti Quebecois held onto power despite winning only 43 percent of the popular vote, giving Bouchard a five-year term as premier.
On November 27, 2000, the Bloc Quebecois in the federal election lost six seats from the 44 it held in the previous Canadian Parliament and finished second to the Liberal Party in the popular vote.
Premier Bouchard has been under heavy criticism from the hard-line separatists who disapprove of his cautious approach to winning sovereignty for Quebec. Bouchard always said that he intended to hold another sovereignty referendum before his term expires in 2003.
Bouchard’s resignation could have a devastating impact on both the PQ and the sovereignty movement. But some Liberal politicians, suggested Bouchard’s departure creates uncertainty for federalists who are accustomed to his leadership.
In Ottawa, federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin said he believes the federal Liberals’ recent election victory might have influenced Bouchard’s decision.
”Prime Minister Chretien’s increased and dramatically improved showing in Quebec is clearly a signal that there’s not likely to be a moment any time soon when another sovereignty referendum could be successful,” said Tobin, who – when he was Newfoundland premier – was in frequent contact with Bouchard.
Many Quebecers who were listening to the radio and television broadcast of the Premier’s press conference Thursday afternoon appeared shocked that Bouchard was stepping down. Others thought he had no choice because of his constant squabbling with PQ hardliners.
Quick facts about Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard:
- Born: Dec. 22, 1938, in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region north of Quebec City, a bastion of Quebec nationalism.
- Education: Studied law at Laval University.
- Career: Practised law in Chicoutimi, Que. Legal counsel to the Cliche commission on corruption in Quebec’s construction industry, 1974-75. Negotiated contracts on behalf of Parti Quebecois government, 1980, 1982. Ambassador to France 1985-88.
- Politics: Joined the federal Conservative cabinet as secretary of state, March 1988. Won byelection, June 1988. Quit Tories over changes made to Meech Lake accord, May 1990. Founded Bloc Quebecois, July 1990. Resigned as MP to become Quebec premier, January 1996. Sworn in as province’s 27th premier Jan. 29, 1996. Was re-elected Nov. 30, 1998.
- Personal: Lost his left leg in December 1994 to a flesh-eating disease that almost took his life. He and his second wife, Audrey Best, have two sons, Alexandre and Simon.
- Bouchard’s famous quote: ”Some people in English Canada, and I am really sorry about that, often try to demonize Quebec politicians, mostly sovereigntist politicians. I’m not the Great Satan.” — Bouchard reacting to an editorial in the Globe and Mail.
