Pierre Fitzgibbon said he was leaving with his head held high and a sense of duty accomplished.

(Rimouski) “Superminister” Pierre Fitzgibbon confirmed his departure from political life on Wednesday morning, saying he was leaving with his head held high and a sense of duty accomplished.

Mr Fitzgibbon was not ready to finish his term because, he said, he had felt a loss of motivation in his work.

He is leaving in harmony with his colleagues, he assured. Mr. Fitzgibbon added that he was leaving optimistic, since, he said, François Legault remains in charge.

Premier Legault had earlier confirmed the departure of Mr. Fitzgibbon, a government heavyweight. He held the positions of Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, in addition to being responsible for Regional Economic Development and the Montreal region.

Mr. Legault paid tribute to his minister and said that Quebecers could thank Mr. Fitzgibbon for his work since his first election in 2018.

Pierre Fitzgibbon was due to begin studying his major energy bill 69 next week.

Mr. Fitzgibbon’s departure will, however, force Mr. Legault to reshuffle his cabinet and call a by-election in Terrebonne, at a time when Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s Parti Québécois is leading in voting intentions.