Just one day before the official launch of the Quebec provincial election, a big named candidate turned her back on the CAQ and joined the Liberal party.
The news was first reported by La Presse, but later confirmed by other sources. The head of the Quebec City’s health centre, Gertrude Bourdon will run in the Jean-Lesage riding in the Quebec City region.
According to the newspaper Bourdon could be in line to take over as Health Minister should the Liberals be re-elected. Current Health Minister Gaétan Barrette would then be shifted to the Treasury Board.
The 63-year-old trained nurse had been in advanced talks the CAQ leader Francois Legault, but reportedly backed away because her demands could not be met. Reports say she wanted to be guaranteed the role of Health Minister, an increase in health spending by eight per cent and she wanted the CAQ to abandon its plan to renegotiate compensation deals with medical specialists.
The news was welcomed by Gaétan Barrette, who earlier this week had said he would be very happy if Bourdon did not join the CAQ. The Health Minister later added he was part of the talks to bring Bourdon to the Liberal party.
The announcement to formally introduce Bourdon's candidacy is expected to be held on Friday.