Quebec.

• Author: Ford, Sylvia
• Position: ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE

The First Session of the Fortieth Legislature opened on October 30, 2012 with the election of the President and Vice-Presidents. Jacques Chagnon, Member for Westmount-Saint-Louis from the parliamentary group forming the Official Opposition, was re-elected President by acclamation. As regards the party forming the Government, Carole Poirier, Member for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, was elected First Vice-President, and Claude Cousineau, Member for Bertrand, Second Vice-President. Francois Ouimet, Member for Marquette from the group forming the Official Opposition, was elected Third Vice-President.

The opening speech of the session was delivered by Premier Pauline Marois on October 31 and, after the 25-hour debate thereon, will conclude with the question being put on the motion for approval of the general policy of the Government.

Cabinet and parliamentary offices

On September 19, 2012, Premier Marois appointed the members of her Cabinet, which is composed of 8 women and 15 men. Among the appointments to the several parliamentary offices, it should be noted that Stephane Bedard, Member for Chicoutimi, will carry out the duties of Government House Leader and Yves-Francois Blanchet, Member for Johnson, those of Chief Government Whip.

Jean-Marc Fournier, interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and leader of the Official Opposition, announced the responsibilities of the Members of his parliamentary group. Among those who will be holding parliamentary offices are Robert Dutil, Member for Beauce-Sud, as Official Opposition House Leader and Laurent Lessard, Member for Lotbiniere-Frontenac, as Chief Opposition Whip.

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