A political science professor and the son of an eminent Quebec political scholar, Stéphane Dion was recruited by Prime Minister Jean Chretien to handle the national unity file. As federal Minister of Intergovernment Affairs after the 1995 Quebec referendum on sovereignty, Stéphane Dion was responsible for the Clarity Act which set strict terms for negotiating Quebec separation. He went on to become Environment Minister under Paul Martin.
Stéphane Dion is often blunt, and sometimes abrasive, but has built a reputation for being trustworthy and a straight shooter. He combines concerns for social issues and economic growth with a strong commitment to the environment. When he entered the 2006 Liberal leadership race Stéphane Dion was considered a long shot, but he sailed up the middle to win victory on the fourth ballot.
2006 to present
November 28, 1955 in Quebec City, Quebec.
- BA in political science - Université Laval
- MA in political science - Université Laval
- PhD in sociology - Institut d’études politiques de Paris
Professor of political science and author
Saint-Laurent - Cartierville
- Recruited by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Stéphane Dion was first elected to the House of Commons in 1996.
- In 1996, Stéphane Dion was appointed President of the Queen's Privy Council and also Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
- From 2001 to 2003, Stéphane Dion was the Minister responsible for Official Languages.
- Stéphane Dion was dropped from cabinet when Paul Martin became prime minister in December 2003.
- When the Liberals won a minority government in 2004, Stéphane Dion was brought back into cabinet as Minister of the Environment.
- With the defeat of the Liberal government in early 2006, Stéphane Dion became opposition critic for foreign affairs.
- Stéphane Dion was elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2006.
