Latest news with #Charest
Montreal Gazette
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: What if Charest had been the Conservative leader?
Canadian Politics Politics is all about timing — being in the right place at the right time. Just ask Pierre Poilievre. A few months ago, he was almost certain to become Canada's next prime minister. Today, he's not even a member of Parliament anymore. Things have changed drastically for the Conservatives since the beginning of the year. This week's election was no longer a referendum on Justin Trudeau's future as prime minister, and Donald Trump's threats toward Canada suddenly made voters look for a leader who could protect and reassure them — something many saw in Mark Carney. Circumstances evolved. Voter priorities shifted. The ballot question changed. And suddenly, Poilievre no longer seemed like the right man for the job. That said, Poilievre didn't run a bad campaign. His message resonated with over 41 per cent of Canadian voters — more than Stephen Harper garnered in 2011 when the Conservatives secured a majority in Parliament. His party also outperformed expectations in Ontario and improved its support in Quebec, although that only translated into one more seat in the province. In the end, the Liberal vote was so strong that the Conservatives simply didn't have a path back to power, even after a decade on the opposition benches. In our parliamentary system, it's not the national vote share that matters most; it's the number of seats you win across the country. And while Poilievre may have saved face with an impressive national result for the CPC, he still didn't get the seats needed to form government. But could the outcome have been different had the Conservatives chosen a different leader back in 2022? Poilievre's former rival in the party's leadership race, Jean Charest, is enjoying something of a public revival these days, both at home and abroad, becoming one of the leading voices on Canada-U.S. relations alongside Ontario Premier Doug Ford. His expertise is invaluable in situations like this. A former federal cabinet minister and Conservative party leader, he guided Quebec as Liberal premier through one of the worst financial crises in modern history. Throughout his provincial tenure, he was also a strong advocate of free trade and economic diversification — including deepening our ties with Europe. Where Poilievre lacked certain qualities that some Canadians were seeking in a national leader, Charest already possessed them. Taken together, these traits would have made him a more serious challenger to someone like Carney in this election. Unlike Poilievre, Charest also has deep roots in Quebec, where he won three consecutive provincial elections. Had he led the federal Conservatives, he likely would have prevented the Liberals from gaining so many seats from the Bloc Québécois in his home province — and the Tories might have been closer to pulling off a narrow victory on Monday. Still, Poilievre does not appear to be in any immediate danger as Conservative leader. In fact, as long as the Liberals remain in a minority government, he's still well positioned to potentially become prime minister in a future general election — perhaps as soon as within the next year or two. That's assuming, however, that Carney can't persuade a few MPs — from the nearly defunct NDP, or some opportunistic moderate Conservatives — to cross the floor and give him the seats needed for a majority. In the meantime, Poilievre will need to find a seat in the House of Commons so he can continue as leader of the Opposition. That should only take a few months, as one of his MPs will probably step down to make way for a byelection in a safe Conservative riding. Sooner or later, we should see a Poilievre–Carney rematch. But if Poilievre falls short again, the Conservatives may want to consider giving Charest another chance to broaden their coalition — and finally return to power.
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
The Longevity Of Leadership: Jean Charest On Purpose At Every Stage
Stephanie Ricci contributed to this story. In an era defined by disruption, Jean Charest has a more enduring goal: to stay engaged, stay sharp, and continue serving. 'I'm going to continue to work until I'm 80,' the former Premier of Quebec tells me. 'We live longer, better, and we're more experienced. I want to make a contribution.' As Canadians head to the polls today to elect a Prime Minister, questions about leadership, vision, and long-term decision-making are top of mind. Jean Charest—former Premier of Quebec and a long-standing figure in Canadian public life — offers insights that feel especially relevant at this moment of reflection. Charest made history at 28 as Canada's youngest cabinet minister, serving as the Minister of State for Youth. His career includes roles as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993 and Premier of Quebec from 2003 to 2012. Currently, he works as a partner and strategic advisor at the law firm Therrien Couture Joli-Coeur. 'I always saw politics as a way of being part of something, of helping, of doing something fulfilling and something that would make my life significant,' he says. Throughout his career, Charest's focus has consistently been on leadership, the kind that draws out the best in others and remains relevant regardless of age. Charest knows what it means to lead in a room full of strong personalities — and to do so fluently in two languages and two political cultures. His experience straddles both federal cabinet roles in Ottawa and the premiership of Quebec, offering a rare dual lens on governance in Canada. Some of his most revealing insights come not from campaign trails or crisis rooms, but from the quiet power dynamics of the cabinet table. 'They have big egos, and they have personalities and that's what you are going to be dealing with in any circumstance,' he says of cabinet ministers. 'Your job is to bring to this group some cohesion, because behind everything in politics, to get things done requires collective decision-making. You do nothing alone, and it can only get done if, as a group you are ready to move together, work together, share a common vision. And the role of the Premier is also to create an environment where every one of those individuals are at their best that you can draw from them the best that they have.' And still, the art of leadership also requires nuance — knowing when to intervene and when to interpret subtle cues from your team. 'If they disagree, they won't say, 'Sir, that's stupid.' They'll say, 'That's an interesting idea, maybe we should study it more closely.' If you pay attention, you'll understand what they're really saying. And a good leader has that exchange. For Charest, staying sharp means being constantly challenged. 'I read a lot of media. I work with interns. I give panels. And every time I speak, I ask myself, is what I'm saying relevant to them?' He values intergenerational dialogue and reverse mentorship, hosting interns from Université de Sherbrooke's master's program in international law and politics. 'I find that to be very stimulating,' he says. 'I give presentations or sit on panels, and every time, I'm challenged to offer commentary that is relevant. How do you remain relevant with purpose?' Such curiosity must be intentional and grounded in humility. For leaders to remain impactful, they must continually challenge themselves to ensure their ideas resonate beyond the walls of their immediate circles. Charest views decision-making as a collaborative effort, rejecting the notion of a solitary leader making unilateral decisions. 'When you're Premier, you sit down with your Secretary General before every Cabinet meeting. You sort issues into three categories: consensus decisions, rubber-stamps, and — the hard ones,' he says. 'If a file lands on your desk, there is no good answer. That's why it's there.' Contrary to public perception, strong leaders don't silence disagreements; they welcome them. He rejects the concept of disposable leadership, stressing instead the crucial role political parties play in shaping a vision that outlasts any single term in office. 'A political party is an institution for which the leader is a fiduciary. And if you understand what the party's role is, your job is to nourish [it]. The party's vision of the future is longer than that of an elected government that has a drop-dead date,' he says. This long-term perspective was evident in 1993 when Charest became one of only two Progressive Conservative MPs remaining in Parliament after a significant defeat. 'Here I am, 34. The parties reduced to two members were completely discredited. We had 10 million in debt. It's like being in charge of a train wreck. And I'm offered the job of leader,' he recalls. 'Had I known what I was getting into, maybe I would not have done it, but there are things we do in our lives at certain moments where we're a bit oblivious to what the real consequences are. And that's what makes our lives what they are. And we do get through it.' Charest maintains a global yet grounded perspective. He has engaged in international negotiations, including for mining clients in Senegal and Madagascar. He is also known for initiating negotiations for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). And he's wary of how politics is evolving on both sides of the North American border. 'There is often mimicking in Canada the American political system without giving it a lot of thought.' he says, pointing to the growing partisan divide and potential pressure to politicize the Supreme Court. 'Let's not go there.' He urges a reflection on national identity and purpose, especially in a time of shifting alliances and global instability. 'Maybe it's time we ask ourselves: who are we? What are our values? What do we want to accomplish in the world?' he prompts. 'This may be a moment where Canada's really going to have to question itself and say: who are we? What are our values? What are our core interests? And how do we live in this new world where the United States does not automatically have our back every time something happens?' he prompts. 'I think it will force us to have a very hard look at ourselves and what we want to accomplish in the country and in the world,' says Charest. Perhaps Charest's most striking quality is his presence—a clear-eyed focus on the present as he reflects on a career that has spanned decades. 'I'm not in the category of people who spend their time looking over others' shoulders, wanting to be somewhere else,' he says. 'I want to be where I am now, and that's what I found fulfilling about being in politics and the opportunity to change.' That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times. In an era often characterized by cynicism, Charest offers a perspective rooted in conviction: don't chase legacy, lead with presence, listen, and understand the nuances beneath the surface.
24-04-2025
- Business
Trump's trade war and annexation threats have upended Canada's election
TORONTO -- U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats have upended Canada's election and improved the fortunes of the Liberal Party, which could win a fourth consecutive term in power next week. The Liberals and the country's new prime minister, Mark Carney, looked headed for a crushing defeat in Monday's election until the American president started attacking Canada's economy and even threatening its sovereignty, including suggesting it should become the 51st state. Trump's dumping on Canada has infuriated its people and stoked a surge in Canadian nationalism that has helped the Liberals flip the election narrative. 'Trump has immersed himself into our lives and has defined the ballot question,' former Quebec Premier Jean Charest said. 'What Trump has done is shed light on who we are,' he said. Even separatists in French-speaking Quebec 'are very much aligned with other Canadians in defending the country and responding very firmly to the fact that we're not going to be the 51st state,' Charest said. The opposition Conservative Party's leader, Pierre Poilievre, hoped to make the election a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity declined toward the end of his decade in power as food and housing prices rose and immigration surged. But Trump attacked, Trudeau resigned and Carney, a two-time central banker, became the Liberal Party's leader and prime minister. 'We were looking at a scenario where the Conservatives were going to rake in a huge majority,' said Charest, a Conservative. 'Here we are months later in another world.' Trump's trade war and attacks have led Canadians to cancel trips to the U.S. and refuse to buy American goods. And it might have contributed to record early voting, with 7.3 million Canadians casting ballots before election day. Carney said the 80-year period when the U.S. embraced the mantle of global economic leadership and forged alliances rooted in trust and respect is over. 'The key question in this election is who is the best to respond that. Who will stand up to President Trump?' he said. Poilievre, a career politician and firebrand populist, has campaigned with Trump-like bravado, even taking a page from the 'America First' president by adopting the slogan 'Canada First.' But his similarities in style to Trump might cost him. In a mid-January poll by Nanos, Liberals trailed the Conservative Party by 47% to 20%. In the latest Nanos poll that ended April 22, the Liberals led by five percentage points. The January poll had a margin of error 3.1 points while the latest poll had a 2.7-point margin. Until a few months ago, Poilievre was seen as a shoo-in to become the next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade. Ian Brodie, a former chief of staff to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said it's frustrating that this year's Conservative campaign plan had to change so drastically. 'At least 40% of the electorate is just petrified about the continued existence of the country,' Brodie said. "... In a sense, it is a once in a lifetime lineup of forces that works against everything Pierre been doing since he got himself into politics.' Brodie said a Conservative win will be tough and that the party's situation might not improve anytime soon, noting support for a small progressive party, the New Democrats, has been shrinking for years, making it a two-party struggle. 'If you are into two-party competition for the foreseeable future, then you have to be much closer to the center of the political spectrum than the Conservatives have been,' Brodie said, noting that the party might need a new leader. Whoever the next prime minister is will face challenges. Both Carney and Poilievre said that if elected, they would accelerate renegotiations of the countries' free trade deal in an effort to end the uncertainty hurting both of their economies. Carney, in particular, has notable experience navigating economic crises, having done so when he ran Canada's central bank and when he later became the first non-U.K. citizen to run the Bank of England since its founding in 1694. 'The problems are really inconceivable, worse than any Canadian prime minister has had to face, I think ever," said Robert Bothwell, a University of Toronto professor of Canadian history and international relations. 'Not only is Carney the luckiest guy alive and came in at absolutely the right moment, but once he actually starts having to administer the country, the Trump problem, the American problem, is just inconceivable," he said. "It's like being handed a sack full of rabid beavers.'
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Trump's trade war, annexation threats upends Canada's election
U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats have upended Canada's election and improved the fortunes of the Liberal Party, which could win a fourth consecutive term in power next week. The Liberal Party leader's and the Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, looked headed for a crushing defeat in Monday's (April 28, 2025) election until the American President started attacking Canada's economy and even threatening its sovereignty, including suggesting it should become the 51st state. Mr. Trump's dumping on Canada has infuriated its people and stoked a surge in Canadian nationalism that has helped the Liberals flip the election narrative. 'Trump has immersed himself into our lives and has defined the ballot question,' former Quebec Premier Jean Charest said. 'What Trump has done is shed light on who we are,' he said. Even separatists in French-speaking Quebec 'are very much aligned with other Canadians in defending the country and responding very firmly to the fact that we're not going to be the 51st state,' Mr. Charest said. The Opposition Conservative Party's leader, Pierre Poilievre, hoped to make the election a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity declined toward the end of his decade in power as food and housing prices rose and immigration surged. But Mr. Trump attacked, Mr. Trudeau resigned and Mr. Carney, a two-time central banker, became the Liberal Party's leader and the Country's Prime Minister. 'We were looking at a scenario where the Conservatives were going to rake in a huge majority,' said Mr. Charest, a Conservative. 'Here we are months later in another world.' Mr. Trump's trade war and attacks have led Canadians to cancel trips to the U.S. and refuse to buy American goods. And it might have contributed to record early voting, with 7.3 million Canadians casting ballots before election day. Mr. Carney said the 80-year period when the U.S. embraced the mantle of global economic leadership and forged alliances rooted in trust and respect is over. 'The key question in this election is who is the best to respond to that. Who will stand up to President Trump?' he said. Mr. Poilievre, a career politician and firebrand populist, has campaigned with Trump-like bravado, even taking a page from the 'America First' President by adopting the slogan 'Canada First'. But his similarities in style to Mr. Trump might cost him. In a mid-January poll by Nanos, Liberals trailed the Conservative Party by 47% to 20%. In the latest Nanos poll that ended April 22, the Liberals led by 5% points. The January poll had a margin of error 3.1 points while the latest poll had a 2.7-point margin. Until a few months ago, Mr. Poilievre was seen as a shoo-in to become the next Prime Minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade. Ian Brodie, a former chief of staff to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said it's frustrating that this year's Conservative campaign plan had to change so drastically. 'At least 40% of the electorate is just petrified about the continued existence of the country,' Mr. Brodie said. "... In a sense, it is a once in a lifetime lineup of forces that works against everything Pierre been doing since he got himself into politics.' Mr. Brodie said a Conservative win will be tough and that the party's situation might not improve anytime soon, noting support for a small progressive party, the New Democrats, has been shrinking for years, making it a two-party struggle. 'If you are into two-party competition for the foreseeable future, then you have to be much closer to the centre of the political spectrum than the Conservatives have been,' Mr. Brodie said, noting that the Party might need a new leader. Whoever the next Prime Minister is will face challenges. Both Mr. Carney and Mr. Poilievre said that if elected, they would accelerate renegotiations of the countries' free trade deal in an effort to end the uncertainty hurting both of their economies. Mr. Carney, in particular, has notable experience navigating economic crises, having done so when he ran Canada's central bank and when he later became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since its founding in 1694. 'The problems are really inconceivable, worse than any Canadian Prime Minister has had to face, I think ever,' said Robert Bothwell, a University of Toronto professor of Canadian history and international relations. 'Not only is Carney the luckiest guy alive and came in at absolutely the right moment, but once he actually starts having to administer the country, the Trump problem, the American problem, is just inconceivable,' he said. 'It's like being handed a sack full of rabid beavers.'
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Trump's tariffs and threats upend Canada's election
US President Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats have upended Canada's election and improved the fortunes of the Liberal Party, which could win a fourth consecutive term in power. The Liberals and the country's new prime minister, Mark Carney, looked headed for a crushing defeat in Monday's election until the American president started attacking Canada's economy and even threatening its sovereignty, including suggesting it should become the 51st state. Trump's dumping on Canada has infuriated its people and stoked a surge in Canadian nationalism that has helped the Liberals flip the election narrative. "Trump has immersed himself into our lives and has defined the ballot question," former Quebec premier Jean Charest said. "What Trump has done is shed light on who we are." Even separatists in French-speaking Quebec "are very much aligned with other Canadians in defending the country and responding very firmly to the fact that we're not going to be the 51st state", Charest said. The opposition Conservative Party's leader, Pierre Poilievre, hoped to make the election a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity declined toward the end of his decade in power as food and housing prices rose and immigration surged. But Trump attacked, Trudeau resigned and Carney, a two-time central banker, became the Liberal Party's leader and prime minister. "We were looking at a scenario where the Conservatives were going to rake in a huge majority," said Charest, a Conservative. "Here we are months later in another world." Trump's trade war and attacks have led Canadians to cancel trips to the US and refuse to buy American goods. And it might have contributed to record early voting, with 7.3 million Canadians casting ballots before election day. Carney said the 80-year period when the US embraced the mantle of global economic leadership and forged alliances rooted in trust and respect is over. "The key question in this election is who is the best to respond that. Who will stand up to President Trump?" he said. Poilievre, a career politician and firebrand populist, has campaigned with Trump-like bravado, even taking a page from the "America First" president by adopting the slogan "Canada First". But his similarities in style to Trump might cost him. In a mid-January poll by Nanos, Liberals trailed the Conservative Party by 47 per cent to 20 per cent. In the latest Nanos poll that ended April 22, the Liberals led by five percentage points. The January poll had a margin of error 3.1 points while the latest poll had a 2.7-point margin. Until a few months ago, Poilievre was seen as a shoo-in to become the next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade. Ian Brodie, a former chief of staff to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said it was frustrating that 2025's Conservative campaign plan had to change so drastically. "At least 40 per cent of the electorate is just petrified about the continued existence of the country," Brodie said. "In a sense, it is a once in a lifetime line-up of forces that works against everything Pierre been doing since he got himself into politics." Brodie said a Conservative win will be tough and that the party's situation might not improve anytime soon, noting support for a small progressive party, the New Democrats, has been shrinking for years, making it a two-party struggle. "If you are into two-party competition for the foreseeable future, then you have to be much closer to the centre of the political spectrum than the Conservatives have been," Brodie said, noting the party might need a new leader. Whoever the next prime minister is will face challenges. Both Carney and Poilievre said that if elected, they would accelerate renegotiations of the countries' free trade deal in an effort to end the uncertainty hurting both of their economies. Carney, in particular, has notable experience navigating economic crises, having done so when he ran Canada's central bank and when he later became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since its founding in 1694. "The problems are really inconceivable, worse than any Canadian prime minister has had to face, I think ever," said Robert Bothwell, a University of Toronto professor of Canadian history and international relations. "Not only is Carney the luckiest guy alive and came in at absolutely the right moment, but once he actually starts having to administer the country, the Trump problem, the American problem, is just inconceivable. "It's like being handed a sack full of rabid beavers."
