Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet will leave political life at the end of his term. He made the announcement Wednesday morning in his riding of Trois-Rivières.
Visibly moved, Boulet stated that he had carefully considered his decision and wished to turn the page on this chapter.
He thanked former Premier François Legault for his support over the years and reiterated his confidence in the current premier, Christine Fréchette.
“She has all the personal and professional skills to continue being a premier who can meet the needs and aspirations of Quebecers,” he said, adding that he had spoken with her earlier that morning.
He assured everyone that the Coalition Avenir Québec’s difficulties had nothing to do with his decision.
“I remain confident and optimistic about the future; this wasn’t a determining factor in my decision-making process,” he stated.
Boulet, a labour lawyer, has represented the Trois-Rivières riding since 2018.
He served as Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity from 2018 to 2022, and also added Immigration, Francization and Integration to his responsibilities from 2021 until the 2022 election.
After being re-elected in 2022, he returned to the role of Minister of Labour but lost his other portfolios.
Boulet spearheaded several bills as Minister of Labour, including reforms to the Parental Insurance Act, the Act respecting the regulation of child labour, and the controversial Act to improve the transparency, governance and democratic processes of various workplace associations – which drew the ire of the unions.
Following Fréchette’s victory as leader of the CAQ earlier this year, Boulet also became Minister responsible for Canadian Relations.
A few months ago, Quebec signed a $10 billion, 10-year agreement with Ottawa. This money will be used, among other things, for public transit.
About 30 CAQ members of the National Assembly have announced they will not be running in the next election.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
