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André Arthur

André Arthur was a Canadian radio host and independent politician from Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

André Arthur was a Canadian radio host and independent politician from Quebec. He served as the Member of Parliament for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier from 2006 to 2011 and was widely known for his controversial, right-leaning talk radio style in Quebec City. Arthur is notable to Canadian readers as a Quebec broadcaster who moved into federal politics.

Early life and media career

Arthur was born in Quebec City and studied political science at Université Laval before entering radio. He began working in broadcasting in 1970 and later became a prominent and often polarizing figure in Quebec media.

Political career

Arthur entered federal politics as an independent candidate and won the riding of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier in 2006. He was re-elected in 2008 and served until his defeat in the 2011 federal election.

Public image and style

Arthur became known for a combative on-air style and for attacking political and media elites. He was closely associated with Quebec City's radio poubelle tradition and was a divisive public figure.

Death and legacy

Arthur died in Quebec City in 2022 at the age of 78. Coverage after his death emphasized both his popularity as a broadcaster and the controversy surrounding his career.

Key facts

  • Born in Quebec City in 1943 and died in 2022.
  • Worked in radio beginning in 1970 and became a prominent Quebec City broadcaster.
  • Was described as the 'godfather' of radio poubelle, a politically conservative talk radio style.
  • Elected as an independent Member of Parliament for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier in 2006.
  • Described himself as a libertarian and was generally identified with libertarian views.
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Canadian context

Arthur is notable to Canadian readers as a Quebec broadcaster who moved into federal politics and represented a Quebec riding in the House of Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Who was André Arthur?
André Arthur was a Quebec radio host and independent Canadian politician best known for his talk radio career and his 2006–2011 term as MP for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier.
What political office did he hold?
He served as the independent Member of Parliament for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier from 2006 to 2011.
What was André Arthur known for in radio?
He was known for a provocative, conservative talk radio style and was often described as a key figure in Quebec City's radio poubelle culture.
Was André Arthur affiliated with a political party?
No. He sat as an independent Member of Parliament.
When did André Arthur die?
He died on May 8, 2022, at the age of 78.

References

  1. Parliament of Canadahttps://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/andre-arthur(35447)
    Supports: Confirms his status as a former independent Member of Parliament for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier.
  2. Parliament of Canadahttps://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/andre-arthur(35447)/roles
    Supports: Confirms his parliamentary term dates and riding.
  3. La Tribunehttps://www.latribune.ca/2022/05/09/andre-arthur-en-bref-3cc786737e8b277b94d0a778f4cdce23/
    Supports: Provides birth date, early life details, education, and radio career summary.
  4. Radio-Canadahttps://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1881997/andre-arthur-mort-radio-controverse-quebec
    Supports: Confirms his death, age, radio career start, and federal election history.
  5. The Globe and Mailhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-shock-jock-was-godfather-of-quebec-citys-radio-poubelle/
    Supports: Describes his reputation, radio style, and political image.
  6. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Arthur
    Supports: Supports general biographical facts such as death date, occupation, and political affiliation.