Births on April 20

Rita Dionne-Marsolais, Canadian economist and politician

Rita Dionne-Marsolais, born on April 20, 1947, is a prominent figure in Quebec's public life, known for her dual career as an economist and a seasoned politician. Her journey saw her serve as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) of Quebec for the constituency of Rosemont, nestled within the vibrant Montreal region, representing the staunchly pro-sovereignty Parti Québécois from 1994 to 2008. Her tenure was marked by a deep commitment to public service, informed by a strong economic background.

Academic Roots and Professional Ascent

Dionne-Marsolais laid a robust academic foundation at the Université de Montréal, where she distinguished herself by earning a bachelor's degree in economics, followed by a master's degree in econometrics. This specialized knowledge became the bedrock of her early professional life. She embarked on a career as an economist at Hydro-Québec, the province's publicly owned utility and a cornerstone of Quebec's economy, where her talents quickly led her to an advisory role as an assistant to the company's president. Later, her expertise in development was recognized at the Société générale de financement (SGF), a former Quebec government agency dedicated to economic development, where she served as vice-president in the development sector. Her experience also extended internationally as a Quebec delegate in New York, a vital post for fostering economic and cultural ties, before she brought her analytical skills to the private sector as an economist for the renowned firm Price Waterhouse.

A Commitment to Quebec's Diverse Institutions

Beyond her direct professional and political roles, Rita Dionne-Marsolais dedicated considerable time and expertise to numerous significant institutions across Quebec. Her broad involvement underscored a commitment to the province's professional, cultural, and economic well-being. She served as an administration member for diverse bodies, including the Ordre des architectes du Québec (the professional order for architects), the Quebec Bar (the professional order for lawyers), the prestigious Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Saint-Luc Hospital in Montreal (a key healthcare institution), and the influential Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, a leading business advocacy group. Her insights were also valued on the free trade committee, reflecting her economic acumen in a globalized world. Demonstrating an early affiliation with her eventual political party, she also held the pivotal position of treasurer for the Parti Québécois, playing a crucial role in the party's financial health before her election.

A Distinguished Career in Quebec Politics

Rita Dionne-Marsolais officially entered the political arena in 1994, successfully campaigning for the MNA seat in Rosemont. Her electoral success marked the beginning of a significant political career spanning 14 years. During this period, she was entrusted with a series of challenging and influential Cabinet positions within successive Parti Québécois governments. From 1994 to 1996, she served as Minister of Tourism, playing a key role in promoting Quebec as a destination. Concurrently, from 1994 to 1995, she was Minister of Culture and Communications, overseeing vital aspects of the province's identity and media landscape. Her economic background was further leveraged when she became Minister of Industry and Trade from 1996 to 1997, focusing on economic growth and international commerce. In 1998, she briefly served as Minister of Revenue. Following her re-election later that year, her expertise in public finance was again recognized, leading to her appointment as Minister for Revenue from 1998 to 1999. Subsequently, from 2001 to 2003, she took on the critical portfolio of Minister of Natural Resources, a ministry central to Quebec's rich resource economy. Beyond her ministerial duties, Dionne-Marsolais actively participated in various parliamentary committees and served as a delegate member for fostering relations with several world regions, including the Middle East and Brazil, highlighting her commitment to international engagement.

Even amidst shifting political tides, Dionne-Marsolais maintained her strong electoral support. Despite the Parti Québécois losing power to the Liberals in the 2003 provincial elections, she was re-elected for a third term in Rosemont. Her constituents reaffirmed their trust in her for a fourth term in 2007. However, after more than a decade of dedicated service, she announced her retirement from politics in late October 2008. This decision became effective with the official announcement of a general election on November 5, 2008, paving the way for former Minister Louise Beaudoin to stand as the Parti Québécois candidate in the Rosemont riding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rita Dionne-Marsolais

Who is Rita Dionne-Marsolais?

Rita Dionne-Marsolais is a former Quebec politician and economist, born on April 20, 1947. She served as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for the riding of Rosemont, representing the Parti Québécois from 1994 to 2008, and held several significant ministerial portfolios.

What was her academic and early professional background?

She holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in econometrics from the Université de Montréal. Her early career included roles as an economist at Hydro-Québec, vice-president at the Société générale de financement, Quebec delegate in New York, and an economist for Price Waterhouse.

What key ministerial positions did she hold in Quebec?

During her time in Cabinet, she served as Minister of Tourism (1994–1996), Minister of Culture and Communications (1994–1995), Minister of Industry and Trade (1996–1997), Minister of Revenue (1998, and again 1998–1999), and Minister of Natural Resources (2001–2003).

When did she retire from politics?

Rita Dionne-Marsolais announced her retirement from politics in late October 2008, with her departure becoming effective on November 5, 2008, coinciding with the announcement of a general election.

What is the Parti Québécois?

The Parti Québécois is a provincial political party in Quebec, Canada, whose primary platform is the promotion of Quebec's sovereignty and independence from Canada. It has formed the provincial government several times, including during much of Rita Dionne-Marsolais's political career.