Sylvain Gaudreault chosen as interim PQ leader

QUEBEC – Longtime member of the legislature Sylvain Gaudreault has been named the interim leader of the Parti Quebecois.

“We’ve had a very hectic week,” Gaudreault, 45, said Friday, referring to Pierre Karl Peladeau’s sudden resignation as leader four days earlier.

Gaudreault, who paid tribute to Peladeau and his decision to spend more time with his children, has represented the riding of Jonquiere since 2007 and served as transport and municipal affairs minister between 2012 and 2014.

Currently, the two people who would be considered the front-runners for the permanent job if they ran are former cabinet members Alexandre Cloutier and Veronique Hivon.

Cloutier said he would announce soon whether he will run, adding his decision is made. He was runner-up when Peladeau won last May.

Hivon said she would continue to “seriously reflect” on the matter before announcing whether she will throw her hat in the ring.

“I think I can stand on my own two feet,” said Hivon, adding she was dealing with personal matters last year that led to her decision to not seek the leadership.

Hivon is best known for tabling Quebec’s right-to-die legislation.

The timeline for choosing a permanent successor has not yet been revealed.

The next provincial election is set for the fall of 2018.