The Honourable Jean Charest has served at the highest levels of Canadian government for nearly three decades, making him one of Canada’s best known political figures. As the former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec — and a current member on the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-US Relations — Charest brings a deep understanding of the complex Canada-US relationship, global trade, strategic leadership, and business diplomacy to audiences. He offers a compelling reflection on Canada’s position in a dynamic world, while sharing key lessons on navigating both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at the age of 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister, assuming the role of Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs and Registrar General, before becoming the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.
Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party in 1994, holding that post until 1998 when he became Leader of the Québec Liberal Party. He then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007, and 2008.
During his tenure as Premier of Québec, his government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and launched Plan Nord, a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec. Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
Today, Charest is a partner at the Canadian firm, Therrien Couture Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.