Pierre Brien

Montreal born Pierre Brien, now semi-retired, has devoted his life to international cooperation. He ceded the BQ candidacy in Vimont, where he lives, to Audrey Boisvert, the young woman who mounted a significant challenge to mayor Gilles Vaillancourt in the last municipal elections (2005). He did this in order to offer the voters of Fabre an alternative of the humanitarian left which is organized and structured. The holder of a Master's Degree in Sociology from the University of Montreal, doctoral studies in Paris led him to work for a number of Non-Govermental-Organizations (NGOs). He has also taught management in international cooperation. This 67-year-old humanist has met François Mitterand and walked with Bernard Kouchner, founder of Doctors Without Borders and minister in the cabinet of French president Nicolas Sarkozy, for whom he has great admiration.

Pierre Brien knows he's taking on a giant task in attempting to unseat Liberal MNA Michelle Courchense, considered by observers as one of Jean Charest's ablest ministers. "I have respect for her, but I detect a lot of frustration from the people with regard to the old parties," he says. New to the riding, having previously also lived in Chomedey, Mr. Brien says he's encouraged by the people's reaction. "They are welcoming and of open spirit," he says. For him, the local issues are linked to the national ones. "What Québec solidaire proposes is a listening ear and the development of community groups to rectify the people's problems, overcome difficulties in health and give priority to an economy which is local and green.