CBC is reporting that former Quebec Liberal Premier and PC leader Jean Charest is considering throwing his hat into the ring for the federal Conservative leadership. According to the CBC’s French language service, Charest is currently consulting, but believes that he has what it takes to fix national unity and environmental issues..The former premier would likely be able to draw on a huge base in Quebec, which the Tory voting system gives extra weight to despite having far few members proportionally than other regions, like Ontario and the West. Charest would also likely draw on heavy support from the old PC wing of the party..Charest was a major supporter of Brian Mulroney’s failed Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords designed to affirm Quebec’s special status in the constitution; measures which fuelled Western alienation and the rise of the Reform Party..Charest served as a cabinet minister for Brian Mulroney and was one of only two PC MPs to survive the 1993 election. After leading the PCs until 1998, he led the Quebec Liberal Party, first as opposition leader, then as premier..Quebec’s anti-corruption police unit is currently investigating the Quebec Liberal Party’s finances from Charest’s time as leader.
