Quebec Premier François Legault and Pierre Fitzgibbon shake hands following a news conference in Rimouski, Que., on Wednesday, Sept.4, 2024. Fitzgibbon is leaving government two years ahead of the provincial election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
MONTREAL – Quebec “superminister” Pierre Fitzgibbon says he is leaving office because he lost motivation to do the job.
Fitzgibbon, who held the economy and energy portfolios, told reporters in Rimouski, Que., today he’s quitting two years ahead of the provincial election – and right before hearings are to begin on his massive energy reform bill.
He says he had planned to stay until December to help move his bill through the legislature but Premier François Legault wanted him to leave immediately so that he doesn’t become a distraction.
Fitzgibbon’s energy reform bill makes sweeping changes to the way the province’s hydro utility operates and how electricity rates will be fixed, among other major changes.
And after introducing the legislation in June, Fitzgibbon – often called a “superminister” because of his power and influence over the economy – says he has started to feel “a certain decline” in his motivation.
The departure comes at a delicate time for the Coalition Avenir Québec, forcing Legault to reshuffle his cabinet and call a byelection in Fitzgibbon’s riding amid a resurgent Parti Québécois led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2024.
