A former liberal Quebec health minister who has been the subject of a recent controversy says he will not run in next year’s provincial elections.
Gaetan Barrette, who served as Minister of Health between 2014 and 2018 under former Prime Minister Philippe Couillard, announced his decision today along with Quebec’s liberal leader Dominique Anglade.
Barrette, 65, said he made his decision a while ago, but moved forward the announcement in light of recent circumstances.
Anglade removed Barrette from his duties as a critic of the Treasury Council two weeks ago after a dispute broke out on social media between him and fellow liberal Marie Montpetit.
Anglade recognized Barrette’s contribution to the health sector during the press conference and thanked him for his dedication to the Liberal Party.
Barrette was first elected in 2014 as an MNA representing La Piniere, in Longueuil, on the south coast of Montreal.
He said he has not made any firm decisions about his future and remains open to any opportunities that arise, but he has no immediate plans to remain in politics.
“In my life, the only thing I fought for is to become a doctor, that’s what I wanted to do in life,” said Barrette. “People who don’t like their job are a nightmare. I have been blessed, I have made the right decisions. I am happy, I had a happy career ”.
Reference-globalnews.ca