Births on February 13

Jean-François Lisée, Canadian journalist and politician

Jean-François Lisée: A Profile of a Quebec Nationalist Politician and Intellectual

Jean-François Lisée, born on February 13, 1958, is a prominent figure in Quebec politics, recognized for his deep commitment to Quebec nationalism and the sovereignty movement. He notably served as the leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), a major political party in Quebec advocating for the province's independence from Canada, from October 2016 to October 2018.

Early Political Career and Electoral Success

Lisée's electoral journey began in the 2012 Quebec election, where he successfully secured a seat as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec, representing the electoral district of Rosemont. The National Assembly serves as Quebec's provincial legislature, playing a crucial role in shaping the province's laws and policies.

A Distinguished Career Before Electoral Politics

Before his formal entry into elected office, Jean-François Lisée cultivated a diverse and influential career that laid the groundwork for his political aspirations. He was highly regarded as a political analyst, journalist, and author, recognized for his intellectual contributions and his unwavering stance as a sovereignist thinker. His extensive background provided him with a profound understanding of Quebec's political landscape and its unique cultural identity.

His expertise and commitment to the sovereignty cause were highly valued within the Parti Québécois. He served as a "special advisor" to two of Quebec's most iconic former PQ premiers, Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchard. Both Parizeau and Bouchard were instrumental figures in the modern Quebec sovereignty movement, notably leading the "Yes" campaigns in the 1980 and 1995 referendums on Quebec independence, respectively. Lisée's close association with these leaders underscores his deep roots within the party's intellectual and strategic core.

Immediately prior to his election as an MNA (Member of the National Assembly), Lisée held the position of executive director at the International Study and Research Centre at the University of Montreal. In this academic role, his research and intellectual pursuits predominantly focused on core themes central to Quebec's future:

• Quebec Sovereignty: Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of Quebec's aspiration for political independence from Canada, a concept that has defined much of the province's political discourse for decades.
• Sociological Phenomena: Analyzing the societal trends and demographic shifts impacting public support for sovereignty, offering critical insights into the evolving dynamics of Quebec nationalism.
• The "Quebec Model": Investigating Quebec's distinctive approach to social democracy, characterized by a more interventionist state, universal social programs (like subsidized daycare), and a strong emphasis on collective rights and cultural preservation. This model often contrasts with other Canadian provinces and is seen as a key component of Quebec's unique identity.
• Globalization: Examining the challenges and opportunities that an interconnected global economy presents for maintaining and evolving the Quebec Model and its social democratic principles.

Ministerial Roles Under Pauline Marois

Following the Parti Québécois's return to power in 2012, Jean-François Lisée was appointed to significant ministerial portfolios within the cabinet of Premier Pauline Marois. From 2012 to 2014, he concurrently held several key responsibilities:

• Minister of International Relations: Overseeing Quebec's diplomatic ties and international presence.
• Minister of the Francophonie: Promoting the French language and culture on a global scale, a crucial mandate for Quebec given its unique position as a predominantly French-speaking society within North America. This role highlights Quebec's distinct cultural and linguistic identity and its commitment to the broader French-speaking world.
• Minister of External Trade: Developing and strengthening Quebec's trade relationships with other countries to boost its economy.
• Minister Responsible for the Montreal Region: Addressing the specific needs and development of Montreal, Quebec's largest city and economic engine. This role involves managing urban development, infrastructure projects, and ensuring the city's prosperity.

Leadership of the Parti Québécois and its Aftermath

In May 2016, Jean-François Lisée formally announced his candidacy for the Parti Québécois leadership election. His campaign was marked by a strategic and somewhat controversial pledge: he stated that he would not hold a referendum on Quebec sovereignty during his first mandate as premier. This pragmatic approach was aimed at reassuring voters and potentially broadening the party's appeal, acknowledging the electorate's fatigue with the sovereignty debate after two failed referendums.

On October 7, 2016, Lisée was elected leader of the PQ, securing a narrow victory with 50.63% of the ballots during the second round of voting. His leadership, however, proved to be short-lived and challenging.

The 2018 Quebec general election marked a significant turning point in Quebec politics and for the Parti Québécois. Under Lisée's leadership, the PQ experienced its worst electoral performance in decades, finishing in a distant fourth place. Compounding this historic defeat, Jean-François Lisée himself lost his long-held seat in the Rosemont electoral district to Vincent Marissal of the newly dominant Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). Following this devastating outcome, Lisée promptly resigned as the leader of the Parti Québécois, ushering in a period of profound reflection and restructuring for the party.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jean-François Lisée

Who is Jean-François Lisée?

Jean-François Lisée is a Quebec nationalist politician, author, journalist, and intellectual who served as the leader of the Parti Québécois from 2016 to 2018. He was also a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec and held various ministerial portfolios.

What is the Parti Québécois?

The Parti Québécois (PQ) is a provincial political party in Quebec, Canada, whose primary objective is the achievement of Quebec sovereignty (political independence from Canada). It also generally advocates for social democratic policies within Quebec.

What is "Quebec sovereignty"?

Quebec sovereignty refers to the political ideology that advocates for the province of Quebec to become an independent country, separate from the rest of Canada. This concept has been at the forefront of Quebec's political discourse for decades, notably leading to referendums in 1980 and 1995.

What is the "Quebec Model"?

The "Quebec Model" describes a distinct set of socio-economic policies and values that characterize Quebec's approach to governance. It often includes a more interventionist state in the economy, strong social safety nets, universal public services, and policies aimed at preserving Quebec's unique French-speaking culture and identity.

What was Jean-François Lisée's stance on sovereignty during his leadership campaign?

During his 2016 leadership campaign, Jean-François Lisée adopted a pragmatic stance, stating that he would not campaign for Quebec sovereignty or hold a referendum in his first mandate as premier. This was a strategic move to potentially broaden the party's appeal.

Why did Jean-François Lisée resign as PQ leader?

Jean-François Lisée resigned as leader of the Parti Québécois following the party's poor performance in the 2018 Quebec general election. The PQ finished in fourth place, and Lisée himself lost his seat in the Rosemont electoral district, prompting his resignation.