The liberal mna André Drolet has announced his withdrawal from political life

Photo Simon Clark
The liberal mna André Drolet confirms that he will not seek a fourth term.

Marc-André Gagnon

Thursday, February 8, 2018 05:00

UPDATE
Thursday, February 8, 2018 05:00

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The liberal mna André Drolet, leaving it to hover in doubt since last December on its political future, has finally decided not to run again in Jean-Lesage on the 1st of October next, for family reasons.

“Today, my reflection is complete, and I am ready to announce that I will seek not a fourth term,” said Mr. Drolet, during an exclusive interview with our parliamentary Bureau.

Repeating that it is a decision “difficult”, that has nothing to do with the intentions of vote in favour of the CAQ in the Quebec city area, Mr. Drolet has not been able to do otherwise than to let out a few tears when speaking of his wife, his two sons and especially his four grandchildren.

“It is to spend more time with them, see them grow up, I will pass the torch, he explained, throat knotted with emotion. […] To almost 64 years, I want to dedicate more time to those I love.”

The feeling of duty accomplished

Elected and re-elected without interruption since 2008, Mr. Drolet intends to complete his mandate, “until the last minute”. “I’m going to work with the same intensity until the last day”, he assured.

Known for his presence on the field, Mr. Drolet also agrees to transmit all the records of its citizens to the one who succeeded him, regardless of his political affiliation. No empty offices, so. “No. Do not be afraid”, said the one who intends to reconnect with the volunteer work and involvement that had been his trademark before entering politics.

The business man who has made a career especially in the world of the restoration (Ashton), and sales in the beer industry (O’keefe) and soft drinks (Pepsi-Alex Coulombe) is also finalizing a report on the reform of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), that it has ordered the prime minister. Mr. Drolet, who is the parliamentary assistant to the minister of SMES, wants to make his legacy policy.

Proud to have his place in spite of “their schooling a little bit limited,” to use her own words, André Drolet is preparing to leave politics “with the feeling of duty accomplished”.

“There are lots of beautiful projects on the rails in my county : a new hospital complex and the development of the eco-neighborhood D’estimauville to name just two examples”, he continued.

“I got out my slippers,” pointed out the deputy with his patter. “I’ve always been a guy capable of getting up in caucus, and then be able to defend my ideas”, he told.
Chappell already has other projects in mind, but more a question of putting “70 hours per week”, warned the one who is afraid to get bored of this adrenaline brought to him each electoral fight.