Jacques Parizeau, former PQ premier, remembered as 'formidable opponent'

Quebec's National Assembly has suspended work for the dayand its flag isat half-mast,in remembrance offormer premier Jacques Parizeau.

Jean Charest on Jacques Parizeau

9 years ago

Duration 6:55

A former premier of Quebec talks about his adversary, another former premier of Quebec

Parizeau, a polarizing force in Quebec and across Canada, was perhaps best known as the man who nearly led Quebec to independence in 1995.

He diedat 8 p.m. ET on Monday, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84.

• Former head of Parti Qubcoisdies afterbattling unidentified illness
• Jacques Parizeau calls on PQ to push for sovereignty

You may not agree with him, but you have to admire his dedication and his honesty.- Terry Mosher, editorial cartoonist

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said today thatParizeau will receivea state funeral.

He also said the Montreal head officesof Quebec's pension fund manager, theCaisse de dpt, will be renamed in Parizeau'shonour.

Parizeau ishailed as one of Quebec's most respected economists and is credited with creatingthe foundationsof themodern Quebec, including the province'spension fund and its hydroelectricity system.

Respected by allies and opponents

Reactionsfrom sovereigntists and federalists alikeflooded social media after news of Parizeau's death emerged.

Many of those who fought against him in the 1995 Quebec referendum remembered him as leader who earned their respect, despite their political differences.

Jean Charest, who faced off against Parizeau in the referendum, called hima "formidable opponent."

During an interview with CBC'sDaybreak, Charestremembered Parizeau as "larger than life."

He said the "yes" side of the referendum would never have come so close if it wasn't forParizeau'sspecial talent determination.

"He had all those talents, plus one ingredient, which makes ahuge ingredient in the course of historyand that was determination," Charest said.

"M.Parizeauagain demonstrated thathehad that unique quality of determination that allows things to change, that makes things happen."

Popular Canadian political cartoonistTerryMosher, also known asAislin,shared his thoughts on Parizeau's lifewith CBC News.

"You may not agree with him, but you have to admire his dedication and his honesty," he said.

"He was an easy caricature to capture right from the get go."

Former Bloc Qubcois leaderGilles Duceppesaid Parizeau commanded the respect of those around him.

"He was a very rational person, and at the same time with a lot of passion."

The former premier, who had a penchant for three-piece suits, was called Monsieur Parizeau,even by some of his closest friends.

Duceppe said Parizeau had a British sense of humour, but spoke old-school French.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was among those who shared theircondolences.

Current Quebec PremierPhilippeCouillardalsoshared his condolences on social media.

Hetweeted in French thatParizeauwas a "talented man, respected and passionate."

Tributes pour in for Jacques Parizeau

9 years ago

Duration 3:13

Tributes are pouring- in from across the political landscape today for Jacques Parizeau, who died Monday evening at the age of 84.

What were Parizeau's true colours?

Parizeau will beremembered by manyfor the infamous speech he delivered following the yes side's narrow loss afterthe 1995 referendum.

He blamed the loss on "money and the ethnic vote."

But supporters say the statement was out of character.

"I think it would be very unfair to consider those words summarized his thoughts," said Jean Dorion, aformer BlocQubcoisMP and the former president of thepro-sovereigntistSt-Jean-Baptiste Society.

Dorion saidParizeau's true colours came through when he slammed Quebec's proposedCharter of Values two years ago, accusing Pauline Marois's government of reacting to a growing fear of Islam.

The new leader of the Parti Qubcois, Pierre Karl Pladeau, said if it weren't for Parizeau, he wouldn't be where he is today.

Pladeau said he met with Parizeau before deciding to jump into politics.

"He encouraged me to continue to reflect onit,"Pladeau said.

A vigil has been planned in Parizeau's memory starting tonight at 8 p.m. EToutside Quebec's National Assembly.