Hardy to leave public life

Saint-françois MNA Guy Hardy has put an end to speculation about his political future and has announced that he will not be a candidate in the next provincial election in October.

Hardy, a Liberal, was elected for his first time in the 2014 election, succeeding Réjean Hébert of the Parti Québécois. Between 1985 and 2012, the riding of Saint-françois was represented in the National Assembly by Liberal Monique Gagnon-tremblay.

“Playing politics is the noblest job in the world,” Hardy said in his announcement Friday, “being the spokesperson for the citizens of St. Francis County has been an incredible experience, though the highs and the lows. I am fortunate that the people of the county helped me to represent their interests.”

Hardy also spoke with gratitude of his riding office team, saying that they were an essential part of his work from day one.

The MNA thanked Premier Phillipe Couillard for his encouragement and mentorship and took advantage of the announcement to also thank his Estrie caucus colleagues Karine Vallières, Pierre Reid, Ghislain Bolduc and Luc Fortin.

“The older ones helped me in this work as an MNA with their experience and their wisdom, while the younger ones inspired me with their passion and their energy,” Hardy said. We are a great team in defending the files of the region.”

As for the future, the MNA said he has no immediate plans.

“I’m trying to focus on what's left to do in the National Assembly, and my responsibilities in the riding,” Hardy said, adding, “To be sure I want to take time with my wife Denise, my children and my grandchildren; I'm going to retire. I'm sure there will be projects, but they will stay out of the public sphere.”