Births on January 10

Michael Fortier, Canadian lawyer and politician

Michael M. Fortier, born on January 10, 1962, is a distinguished Canadian figure renowned for his diverse professional background as a financier, a lawyer, and a former prominent politician. His career path uniquely blends expertise from the private sector with significant contributions to public service, particularly at the federal level.

Michael M. Fortier's Political Career and Public Service

Cabinet Appointments Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper

As a key member of the Conservative Party of Canada, Michael Fortier held significant ministerial portfolios within the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. From February 2006 until May 2008, he served as the Minister of Public Works and Government Services. In this vital role, he was responsible for overseeing a vast array of federal operations, including the management of the government's real estate portfolio, all federal procurement activities, and the delivery of essential services to Canadians. Following this tenure, for a brief period in 2008, Fortier was appointed Minister of International Trade. This portfolio is crucial for Canada's economic prosperity, focusing on developing and strengthening international trade relations, negotiating agreements, and promoting Canadian exports on the global stage.

The Controversial Senate Appointment to Cabinet

A particularly notable and often debated aspect of Michael Fortier's political career was his appointment to the Cabinet of Canada while simultaneously holding a seat in the Senate. This unconventional move, initiated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper shortly after the Conservative Party assumed power in 2006, sparked considerable discussion and proved controversial. Traditionally, members of the Canadian Cabinet are drawn from the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) sitting in the House of Commons, which ensures their direct accountability to the electorate. Fortier, however, was appointed to the Senate and immediately sworn into Cabinet, bypassing the standard electoral pathway for ministerial positions. Critics raised concerns that this approach circumvented principles of democratic accountability and parliamentary tradition, questioning ministerial responsibility to the elected lower chamber. Proponents, however, defended the Prime Minister's prerogative to appoint qualified individuals to Cabinet, regardless of whether they were elected or appointed, especially if they brought specific expertise deemed critical for the government's agenda.

Seeking a Mandate: The 2008 Federal Election Bid

In a significant shift, Michael Fortier resigned from his appointed Senate seat in September 2008 to seek a direct democratic mandate by running for election as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. He contested the riding of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, an electoral district located in Quebec, in the federal election held later that year. Despite a considerable campaign effort, Fortier did not secure the seat, placing second in the constituency.

Post-Political Life and Recognitions

Lifetime Honours: The Queen's Privy Council for Canada

As a former member of the Canadian Cabinet, Michael Fortier holds the distinguished lifetime honour of being a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. This advisory body to the Sovereign, whose membership is for life, bestows upon its members the esteemed courtesy style "The Honourable" and the post-nominal designation "PC" (Privy Councillor). These honours acknowledge his past service at the highest echelons of Canadian government and his enduring commitment to public life.

Family Ties in Canadian Politics

Further highlighting a connection to Canadian public service, Michael Fortier is the brother of Margaret Delisle. Margaret Delisle herself had a notable political career, serving as a former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for the Quebec Liberal Party. This familial link underscores a shared inclination towards contributing to the political landscape in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Michael M. Fortier?

Michael M. Fortier is a Canadian financier, lawyer, and former politician who notably served as a Conservative Party Minister in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government.

What ministerial roles did Michael Fortier hold?

He served as the Minister of Public Works and Government Services from 2006 to 2008, and briefly as the Minister of International Trade in 2008.

Why was Michael Fortier's Cabinet appointment controversial?

His appointment was controversial because he was made a Cabinet Minister while serving as an appointed Senator rather than an elected Member of Parliament, which critics argued undermined democratic accountability and parliamentary tradition.

What does it mean to be a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada?

Membership in the Queen's Privy Council for Canada is a lifetime honour granted to former Cabinet ministers and other distinguished Canadians, bestowing upon them the courtesy style "The Honourable" and the post-nominal letters "PC", in recognition of their high-level public service.

Did Michael Fortier ever win a seat in the House of Commons?

No, Michael Fortier did not win a seat in the House of Commons. He resigned from the Senate to run in the 2008 federal election but placed second in his electoral district, Vaudreuil-Soulanges.