A leader with baggage steps back into the spotlight

Jean Charest's recent private lobbying and consultant work for special interests could be a factor in his leadership bid and, should he win that bid and subsequently win an election, could be a factor influencing him in his prime ministership.

While other past prime ministers have been wealthy and had corporate ties, nowadays this may matter more. The public knows Justin Trudeau came from a privileged background, Paul Martin had a whole steamship company, and that Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien had corporate buddies and interests. Now it's Jean Charest's time to be put in a fish bowl, writes Ken Rubin. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY KEN RUBIN

March 11, 2022

The entrance of Jean Charest, ex-politician extraordinaire, to the federal Conservative leadership race requires a closer examination of his work since 2013 as an influential lobbyist and consultant while at McCarthy Tétrault. This comes as Charest is breathing a sigh of relief after the Quebec Li...

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