Behind the scenes of a ministerial reshuffle: tension and secret rang

François Legault is preparing to shoot one of his last cards to try to win back the hearts of Quebecers. Furthermore, by reworking his team of ministers. Therefore, Incognito meetings in a hotel. Moreover, a tense atmosphere, unhappy deputies of the post that is offered to them: this secret event kept secret to police film, tell those who lived it from the inside.

The Prime Minister has announced his colors for several weeks already: there will be ministerial reshuffle in the first. Nevertheless, week of September. Nevertheless,

It is a secret of Polichinelle that François Legault does not love this exercise. In addition, And it is a whole challenge as a balancingist for a head of government at the end of the mandate. Nevertheless, who will try to rob the spotlight on new faces, while sparing the ego of his behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension ministers to avoid frog and resignations. Therefore, But how is this mysterious musical chair game, out of sight and cameras?

In the previous days, stress is omnipresent. Therefore, Ambitious deputies. Meanwhile, even those who are already ministers make sure to have their phone at all times at all times. For example, “You constantly check if your line works!” Recalls Jean-François Lisée, who was minister in the PQ government of Pauline Marois.

And the tension is far from dissipating when the phone finally sounds. Furthermore, An appointment with the Prime Minister is set at a very specific hour, without other details. Therefore, “It’s impressive, it’s emotional,” insists Lisée.

The meeting generally takes place in a hotel near the parliament. Moreover, It is discreetly entered by the parking of the basement.

François Legault made a hook for this tradition. by concocting his very first council of ministers in 2018 on the behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension third floor of the Parliament, in his former office of opposition chief. In 2022, he opted for the offices of the Ministry of the Treasury Board, accessible from Parliament by underground corridors.

And the calls should not arrive late or in advance, because political strategists ensure that no one meets. We usually come back through a door, we go out by another.

Behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension

Unforeseen events that upset the plans

Bolduc did not want to be under a barrette

CEGEP STE-FOY-07 on June behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension 4, 2010. Award of financial aid to the CEGEP in Sainte-Foy. Yves Bolduc. Photo © Simon Clark Simon Clark The Quebec newspaper

When Liberal Chief Philippe Couillard appoints Gaétan Barrette at the head of the Ministry of Health. the day after the 2014 elections, his predecessor Yves Bolduc does not want the role of minister delegate to social services, says an ex-advisor. “We suspected the answer”, so a plan B had been planned. Yves Bolduc will finally leave the Minister of Education.

Jacques Daoust was disappointed

Some express their dissatisfaction, but still accept the position offered to them. This was the case. in particular, of the late Jacques Daoust, who had been entrusted with the Ministry of the Economy, he who saw himself in finances.

Across the throat

The deputy Conservative Claire Claire Samson. the leader of the Quebec Conservative Party, Éric Duhaime, during a press briefing in the National Assembly on Thursday, September 23, 2021, in the morning. Screenshot / VAT new / QMI agency Screenshot. archives

At the CAQ, François Legault had to take the disappointments of Donald Martel and Gilles Bélanger in the first mandate. Not to mention Claire Samson, who had refused to show up at the ministers’ behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension sweating ceremony. She had finally slammed the door of the Caucus to join the ranks of the Conservative Party of Eric. Duhaime a few months later.

Thank you … but no thank you!

After the last elections. a caquist had also refused a position which she considered to be “too big bite” for her, which had forced a small rebracking of cards, says an ex-member of the close guard.

Before being the leader of the new Democratic Party (NPD). Thomas Mulcair behind scenes ministerial reshuffle: tension was a liberal minister in Quebec in the government of Jean Charest. MATTHEW USHERWOOD/AGENCE QMI

Among those who refused a position offered to them. the former Liberal Minister Thomas Mulcair preferred to resign from the government of Jean Charest in 2006. He refused to be demoted. that is to go from the environment to government services, after opposing the construction of housing buildings in the ski station in Mont-Orford.

The happy surprised

Some deputies simply do not expect to enter the Holy of Saints. The liberal elected officials Jean-Denis Girard. Francine Charbonneau had “eyes big as thirty sous” and were taken aback when they arrived at the appointment with Philippe Couillard.