Geneviève Guilbault Announces Departure from Quebec Politics
Geneviève Guilbault, a prominent figure within the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) for the past eight years, will be leaving politics at the end of her current term, according to La Presse. This decision marks a significant shift, as Guilbault had been widely considered a potential successor to François Legault.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs is expected to announce her departure this Sunday in her riding of Louis-Hébert, in the Quebec City region, where she first won a by-election in October 2017. This victory was particularly symbolic for the CAQ, representing a turning point in Quebec’s political landscape.
A Rising Star and a Pivotal Victory
Guilbault’s win in the traditionally Liberal stronghold of Louis-Hébert signaled a shift in voter sentiment, with Quebecers seeing the CAQ as a viable alternative to the Liberals. This momentum propelled the party to a general election victory in the fall of 2018, ending decades of alternating power between the Liberals and the Parti Québécois.
Many within the CAQ anticipated Guilbault would contend for the leadership position when Legault stepped down. While three deputies were reportedly prepared to support her candidacy, others actively sought to hinder her progress, leading to whispers of a “Anybody but Geneviève Guilbault” movement within the party.
Challenges and Controversy
Recent challenges have cast a shadow over Guilbault’s political future. La Presse revealed that she received a “notice of improper conduct” from the Gallant Commission regarding the SAAQclic fiasco in mid-December. She has retained legal counsel to defend her reputation, and the credibility of her previous testimony is now under scrutiny. The commission’s report is expected on February 13th.
After months of reflection on her political future, Guilbault decided not to seek re-election. The announcement of François Legault’s resignation on Wednesday accelerated her decision. She will cite family reasons for her departure, expressing a desire to spend more time with her two children, Capucine (8) and Christophe (6).
From Spokesperson to Minister
Before entering politics, Guilbault served as a spokesperson for the Coroner’s Office. She was initially asked by François Legault to run as a candidate in Louis-Hébert during the 2017 election campaign, stepping in after the previous candidate withdrew. Prior to that, she worked as an assistant press secretary to Liberal Minister Jacques Dupuis.
The 2017 by-election in Louis-Hébert was marked by unusual circumstances, with both the Liberal and CAQ candidates forced to withdraw due to allegations of psychological harassment in the workplace. Guilbault’s victory was hailed by Legault as the emergence of a “new star in politics.”
A Career Marked by Change
Following the CAQ’s victory in 2018, Guilbault was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Security. She introduced the first bill of the government, aimed at depoliticizing appointments to key positions. She later served as Minister of Transport, facing challenges such as the SAAQclic scandal and debates over transportation funding. Most recently, she was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Throughout her career, Guilbault has been known for her communication skills and has spearheaded initiatives such as police reform, Operation Centaur to combat gun trafficking, and the implementation of restraining orders to address domestic violence. However, she has also faced criticism for staff turnover within her cabinet and for controversial statements regarding public transportation.
Guilbault’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Quebec politics, leaving a legacy of both accomplishment and controversy.
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