Jean Garon facts for kids
Jean Garon (born May 6, 1938 – died July 1, 2014) was an important figure in Quebec, Canada. He was a politician, a lawyer, a teacher, and an economist.
He was born in Saint-Michel, Quebec. Jean Garon studied at Université Laval, earning a bachelor's degree in 1960 and a master's degree in economics two years later. He also became a lawyer in 1969. During his college years, he was involved in student newspapers and campus politics.
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Early Political Involvement
Jean Garon taught at Université Laval and Cégep Limoilou. He was an early supporter of Quebec becoming an independent country. In 1962, he became the vice-president of a group called the Rassemblement pour l'Indépendance Nationale in Quebec City. This group worked to promote Quebec's independence.
Jean Garon's Time in Provincial Politics
Jean Garon was one of the people who helped start the Parti Québécois in 1968. This political party supports Quebec's independence.
Becoming a Member of the National Assembly
He first tried to get elected to the National Assembly of Quebec in 1973 but did not win. However, he was successfully elected in the area of Lévis in 1976. He was re-elected four more times in 1981, 1985, 1989, and 1994. This means he served as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for many years.
Key Roles as Minister
When René Lévesque was the Premier, Jean Garon became the Minister of Agriculture. A big achievement during his time was helping pass a law in 1978 about agricultural zoning. This law helps protect farmland.
After René Lévesque stepped down in 1985, Jean Garon tried to become the leader of the Parti Québécois. He finished third in the leadership race.
Later, when the Parti Québécois won the election in 1994, Jacques Parizeau became Premier. Parizeau chose Jean Garon to be the Education Minister.
When Premier Parizeau resigned, Jean Garon's influence in provincial politics changed. The next Premier, Lucien Bouchard, did not appoint Garon to his Cabinet. However, Garon still led the Parliamentary Committee on Culture.
Later Thoughts on Quebec's Future
In 2013, Jean Garon shared his thoughts on Quebec's independence. He believed that Quebec could become a country. He felt that unity among supporters was key for a successful referendum.
Jean Garon as Mayor of Lévis
Jean Garon decided not to run for provincial re-election in 1998. Instead, he entered city politics.
Leading Lévis as Mayor
He became the leader of a local political party called Équipe Jean Garon. He was then elected mayor of Lévis, Quebec. He was re-elected in 2001.
In 2004, some city councillors left his party to form a new one. When he ran for re-election in 2005, he lost. He finished second, and his party became the Official Opposition on the City Council.
Later Political Views
Even after leaving provincial politics, Jean Garon still supported Quebec's independence. However, he was no longer a formal member of the Parti Québécois after 1998. He felt the party was not connected enough with people living outside of Montreal.
