Mr. Speaker, we of the Bloc Québécois were very sad and overcome by emotion when we heard the news about André Boisclair's resignation as leader of the Parti Québécois. We commend the courage it must have taken to make such a decision.
As he stepped down, André Boisclair reaffirmed his love for Quebec and his commitment to the Parti Québécois, of which there can be no doubt. He devoted all his energy and his immense talent to the party. Everyone recognizes the remarkable nature of his political career, which he began at a very young age.
With both rigour and determination, in times of hardship and success, he took on the responsibilities of the president of the PQ youth council, those of elected member and minister, accumulating many portfolios, as well as the role of leader of the official opposition and, finally, party leader. He is still the elected member for Pointe-aux-Trembles.
We in the Bloc Québécois are convinced that André Boisclair will remain an important asset to achieving Quebec sovereignty, or in his own words—