Former Quebec Liberal Party leader Dominique Anglade shifts focus to academia

Quebec Liberal Party leader Dominique Anglade speaks during the party's youth conference in Montreal, Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Former Quebec Liberal Party leader Dominique Anglade’s political legacy is rooted in family.

“My father was a politician, my grandfather was a politician, and my great-grandfather was also a politician,” said Anglade.

For seven years, Anglade herself was a key figure in Quebec politics. In 2015, she served as an MNA in Montreal’s Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne riding. Eventually, she became a cabinet minister and in 2020 she made history as the first Black woman to lead the PLQ.

However, she said her journey wasn’t without its challenges.

“If you are a female in politics, it’s one level of complexity. If you are a Black female in politics, it’s another level that you’re adding to the mix,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Anglade said her time in politics was rewarding. She credits her parents, who both died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake, for inspiring her passion for social justice and education.

“There were always fighting for social justice, always fighting for women. Both of them, always passionate about education,” she said.

In November 2022, after losing the election, Anglade resigned as PLQ leader. Shortly after, she also stepped down as MNA, marking the end of her political career.

Reflecting on her decision, Anglade said she knew it was time to step down and does not regret it. “I think it was really the right decision,” she said.

Now, Anglade shifted her focus to academia. She returned to her alma mater, HEC Montréal, as an associate professor focusing on how climate change affects women.

“I’m passionate about what matters and climate matters. I’m passionate about women... women matter,” she said.

While she is not ruling out a return to politics in the future, Anglade insists it won’t happen anytime soon.

She says she’s happy where she is at now.

“It’s not the end to me,” she said. “There’s so many more things that I need to do.”