Births on April 6

André Ouellet, Canadian lawyer and politician, 1st Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs

André Ouellet: A Distinguished Career in Canadian Politics and Public Service

Born on April 6, 1939, André Ouellet, whose name in French is pronounced [ɑ̃dʁe wɛlɛt], carved out a significant and multifaceted career in Canadian public life. He was a prominent federal politician for the Liberal Party, serving as a Cabinet member for many years. Following his impactful tenure in elected office, he transitioned to lead a key Crown corporation, becoming the chairman of Canada Post, a role that brought both acclaim and controversy.

Early Political Life and Historic Milestones

Ouellet's journey into federal politics began with his successful election to the House of Commons of Canada in a 1967 by-election. By-elections, held to fill vacancies that arise between general elections, often offer a glimpse into the political climate, and Ouellet's victory marked the beginning of nearly three decades of service. Over these years, he held various ministerial portfolios within the cabinets of two Liberal Prime Ministers, Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien, demonstrating his adaptability and the trust placed in him by successive leaders.

The Constitution Act of 1982

One of the most defining moments of Ouellet's early career, and indeed in Canadian history, was his pivotal role in the Proclamation of the Constitution Act of 1982. In his capacity as Registrar General of Canada, a federal minister responsible for certain ceremonial and administrative duties, Ouellet was one of the four essential signatories to this landmark document. This Act patriated Canada's Constitution, giving the country full sovereignty over its foundational legal document, and included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. His signature alongside Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and Justice Minister Jean Chrétien cemented his place in this monumental achievement, which fundamentally reshaped Canadian governance and identity.

Representing Papineau and the 1984 Challenge

For almost thirty years, Ouellet faithfully represented the electoral district of Papineau in Montreal, a constituency widely regarded as a safe Liberal seat due to its strong support for the party. This consistent electoral success underscored his connection with his constituents. However, his political longevity was put to its most severe test during the 1984 federal election. That year saw the Liberal Party suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative Party, leading to one of the largest electoral landslides in Canadian history. Despite the widespread Liberal losses, Ouellet managed to retain his Papineau seat, albeit by a dramatically reduced margin of just 500 votes, a testament to his personal appeal in an otherwise devastating election for his party.

The Charlottetown Accord Negotiations

During the period when the Liberals were in opposition, Ouellet emerged as a leading voice in the complex and often contentious constitutional negotiations that culminated in the Charlottetown Accord. This proposed package of constitutional amendments, developed in the early 1990s, aimed to resolve long-standing issues, including Quebec's place in Confederation and Indigenous self-government. Ouellet was a staunch advocate for this ambitious reform proposal, believing it offered a path forward for national unity. Despite considerable political effort, the Accord was ultimately rejected by Canadians in a national referendum held in 1992, highlighting the deep divisions and challenges surrounding constitutional reform at the time.

From Foreign Affairs to Public Service Leadership

With the Liberal Party's triumphant return to power in the 1993 federal election, ending nearly a decade of Progressive Conservative rule, a new era began. Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who had served alongside Ouellet in Trudeau's cabinet and signed the Constitution Act with him, appointed Ouellet to the prestigious and challenging role of Minister of Foreign Affairs. While some observers noted Ouellet's limited prior experience in international relations, he approached the portfolio with a reputation for being both principled and pragmatic. Navigating the intricate landscape of global diplomacy, he brought his characteristic diligence to Canada's foreign policy.

Return to Cabinet and the 1995 Quebec Referendum

Despite his Cabinet position, Ouellet's popularity within his home province of Quebec was not as strong as in other parts of Canada. The lingering memory and political fallout from the Charlottetown Accord, which many in Quebec viewed with suspicion or as inadequate, continued to cast a shadow over his standing. The political landscape in Quebec was particularly charged after the incredibly close 1995 Quebec referendum on sovereignty, where the federalist side narrowly prevailed. In the aftermath of this near-secession, Prime Minister Chrétien sought to project a renewed and more appealing image of his government to Quebecers. This strategic decision led to a significant change in Ouellet's career path.

Leading Canada Post

In 1996, in a move seen by many as a strategic reshuffle to present "a new face" in Quebec, Prime Minister Chrétien appointed André Ouellet to head the Canada Post Corporation as its chairman. This appointment marked his transition from elected political office to a leadership role in a major public service organization. Ouellet had prior experience with postal services, having served as Postmaster General during his time as a Cabinet minister, a role focused on the political oversight of the postal system. Following his departure from the House of Commons, his long-held Papineau seat was subsequently won by Pierre Pettigrew in a by-election held later that same year. As chairman of Canada Post, Ouellet initiated and oversaw a series of reforms that proved highly successful, leading the corporation to achieve record profits during his tenure, a significant turnaround for the Crown entity.

Controversy and Resignation

André Ouellet's distinguished career eventually concluded amidst significant controversy. In 2004, Canada Post found itself directly implicated in the infamous Sponsorship Scandal, a major political affair that rocked the Canadian federal government. This scandal involved allegations of questionable contracts and the siphoning of public funds intended for promoting federal programs in Quebec, with money allegedly diverted to Liberal-friendly advertising firms.

The Sponsorship Scandal's Shadow

As the chairman of Canada Post, Ouellet became one of the high-profile figures entangled in the unfolding scandal. In February 2004, then-Prime Minister Paul Martin, who had taken over from Jean Chrétien, suspended Ouellet from his position at Canada Post as investigations into the scandal intensified. The allegations against Ouellet specifically pertained to the improper handling of funds and contracts under his leadership at the corporation.

Personal Expense Revelations

The situation escalated significantly. On August 12, 2004, André Ouellet formally resigned as chairman of Canada Post. His resignation came after damaging revelations that he had failed to provide adequate invoices or documentation for hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal expenses that had been claimed through the corporation. Furthermore, he was accused of awarding untendered contracts, bypassing the standard competitive bidding processes, which raised serious questions about transparency and accountability. These findings brought an end to a public service career that had been marked by both significant achievement and, ultimately, profound controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is André Ouellet?

André Ouellet is a former Canadian federal politician for the Liberal Party who served as a Cabinet Minister under Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien. After his political career, he became the chairman of Canada Post.

What was André Ouellet's role in the Constitution Act of 1982?

As the Registrar General of Canada, André Ouellet was one of the four key signatories of the Proclamation of the Constitution Act of 1982, a landmark Canadian document that patriated the Constitution and included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What was the Charlottetown Accord, and why was Ouellet involved?

The Charlottetown Accord was a proposed package of constitutional amendments in the early 1990s aimed at resolving issues like Quebec's place in Canada and Indigenous self-government. André Ouellet was a leading Liberal figure in the negotiations and a strong advocate for the Accord, which was ultimately rejected in a 1992 national referendum.

Why did Ouellet leave federal politics for Canada Post?

After the close 1995 Quebec referendum, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien sought to present a "new face" of his government in Quebec. In 1996, Ouellet, who had served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed chairman of Canada Post, marking his shift from an elected position to leading a Crown corporation.

What was the Sponsorship Scandal, and how was Ouellet involved?

The Sponsorship Scandal was a major Canadian political controversy involving allegations of misdirection of public funds intended for promoting federal programs in Quebec, with money allegedly funneled through advertising firms. As chairman of Canada Post, André Ouellet's organization was implicated, leading to his suspension and eventual resignation amidst revelations of un-invoiced personal expenses and untendered contracts.

What significant positions did André Ouellet hold during his career?

André Ouellet served as a federal Member of Parliament for nearly 30 years, a Cabinet Minister (including Registrar General of Canada and Minister of Foreign Affairs), and Postmaster General. After leaving federal politics, he became the chairman of the Canada Post Corporation.