Pauline Marois delivers final speech as Quebec premier

Pauline Marois delivereda tearfulfinal speech as premier in the National Assembly this afternoon, saying she is proud of what was accomplished by the Parti Qubcois government over its past 18 months in power.

Marois began her speech by asking for officialsto not allow the transitionto distractfrom the needs of people affected by flooding across the province.

"I asked all departments to actively prepare the premier [designate] to act quickly, sothat the transition does not complicate the situation. Myheart goes out to these people,"said Marois.

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Maroissaid she believed her government's greatest accomplishments werefighting against corruption and givingQuebecers control of their institutions.

"We gave the flexibility and the time required forpolice and CharbonneauCommission todo their jobs," she said.

Marois said she hopes the incoming government will continue with the PQ's plan to electrifytransport and fight for the promotion of the French language and Quebec culture.

"We have the responsibility to defend our language as the only Francophone nation in North America," she said.

Maroisrefused to say whether discussions about Quebecsovereignty and the possibility of a referendum werepartlyto blame for losing power to the Liberals in the election onMonday, April 7.

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She did, however, say she believes the movement is still alive and well.

"Many citizens will continue to fight to be a country one day. I don't know when, I don't know how," said Marois.

Maroiswill remain at the helm of the PQ until June 7, however she said she will not have any involvement in the leadership race.

Marois meets Couillard

Maroismet with her successorearlierin the day to discuss the transition of governments.

"Welcome, Mr. Couillard, to what will be your new offices," said Maroisatthe Executive CouncilheadquartersinQuebec City.

The private discussion lasted only a few minutes, with Couillard telling reporters the conversation had been "cordial."

A statement released byMarois's office said that as is traditionPremier-designate Couillard hasaccepted the nomination of three staff members:Marc-Andr Beaulieu, Stphane Dolbec and Patrick Lahaie.

In the April 7 elections, the Liberals took 70 seats in the 125 seat National Assembly, the PartiQubcois30, the CoalitionAvenirQubec22 and Qubec Solidairethree.

The Liberals entered this election campaign as the official opposition, butbattled back from a public backlash and integrity questions that saw the province elect its firstPartiQubcoisminority government in the fall of 2012.

Couillard willform his cabinet in the coming days beforeunveiling itnext week.