André Boisclair

André Boisclair is a former Quebec politician who served as leader of the Parti Québécois from 2005 to 2007.

André Boisclair is a former Quebec politician who served as leader of the Parti Québécois from 2005 to 2007. He was also a member of the National Assembly of Quebec, a cabinet minister, and later Quebec’s delegate general in New York. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges and was sentenced to prison.

Early life and education

Boisclair was born in Montreal on April 14, 1966, and became active in student and youth politics before entering provincial politics. Sources describe him as a prominent figure in Quebec’s sovereigntist movement from an early stage.

Political career

He was first elected to the National Assembly of Quebec in 1989 and later held ministerial posts, including immigration, social solidarity, municipal affairs, and the environment. He served in cabinet under Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry. He was elected leader of the Parti Québécois in 2005 and led the party until 2007.

Later public roles

After leaving party leadership, Boisclair served as Quebec’s delegate general in New York between 2012 and 2013. He later worked outside elected politics, including in communications and public affairs.

Criminal case

In 2022, Boisclair pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges involving two men and received a prison sentence of two years less a day. He was later granted parole after serving part of the sentence.