‘No longer have the same enthusiasm’: Quebec cabinet minister on why he’s leaving office
Fitzgibbon, who held the economy and energy portfolios, told reporters in Rimouski, Que., Wednesday that he’s quitting two years ahead of the provincial election — and right before hearings are to begin on his massive energy reform bill.
Kkritika Suri
Quebec "superminister" Pierre Fitzgibbon announced he is stepping down because he has lost the motivation to continue in the role — and revealed that Premier François Legault accelerated his departure, asking him to leave months earlier than he had planned.
Fitzgibbon, who oversaw both the economy and energy portfolios, informed reporters in Rimouski, Quebec, on Wednesday that he is resigning two years before the next provincial election, just as hearings on his major energy reform bill are about to begin.
"When you realize you no longer have the same enthusiasm, even with such exciting projects, you start to think, 'maybe it’s time to step aside and let others take over,’" Fitzgibbon said.
He had originally intended to stay until December to help guide his energy reform bill through the legislature, but Premier Legault requested his immediate exit to avoid any potential distractions.
Standing beside Fitzgibbon at the press conference, Legault explained his decision, saying, "It’s difficult to maintain legitimacy once someone announces they’ll eventually be leaving. I wasn’t comfortable with that." The Coalition Avenir Québec caucus had gathered in Rimouski ahead of the fall legislative session, which starts Tuesday.
On the legislative agenda is Fitzgibbon’s energy reform bill, which aims to bring significant changes to how the province’s hydro utility operates, including adjustments to electricity rates.
Often referred to as a "superminister" for his significant influence over Quebec's economic policy, Fitzgibbon introduced the sweeping energy legislation in June. However, he admitted he has recently felt a "decline" in his motivation.
His resignation comes at a challenging time for Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government, requiring a cabinet reshuffle and a byelection in Fitzgibbon’s riding amid growing support for the Parti Québécois under Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
At 69, Fitzgibbon said he hasn’t decided what his next step will be but ruled out working in media or becoming a lobbyist. He expressed satisfaction with his time in office, saying, "After six years in politics, I feel very good about myself."
“The results speak for themselves — Quebec’s economy is thriving,” he added, describing his political career as an “extraordinary adventure” and “the best job I’ve ever had.”
Fitzgibbon was first elected in 2018, representing the Terrebonne riding northeast of Montreal. He had previously worked as managing partner at private equity firm Partenaires Walter Capital and held various roles in finance and business development. He also studied alongside Legault at HEC Montréal in the 1970s.
Premier Legault lauded Fitzgibbon as a "genius of financial transactions" and highlighted his contributions to closing Quebec’s wealth gap with the rest of Canada, advancing the electric battery industry, and reforming Investissement Québec, the province’s economic development agency.
