Agnès Maltais

Agnès Maltais, born on November seventh, nineteen fifty-six, is a prominent Canadian politician hailing from Quebec. She served as a Member of the National Assembly for the riding of Taschereau, representing the Parti Québécois. Before her political career, Maltais made significant contributions to the theatrical sector, working as a development agent for Video-Femmes and directing both the Periscope and la Bordée theaters. Her passion for the arts was complemented by her political activism, which began in nineteen seventy-six after she earned her diploma from the Cégep de Sainte-Foy.

Maltais first entered the political arena in nineteen ninety-eight when she was elected in Taschereau. She quickly rose to prominence, serving as the Minister of Culture and Communications until two thousand one. Following this, she held various roles, including Delegate Minister of Health, Social Services, and Youth Protection, as well as Delegate Minister of Employment. After being re-elected in two thousand three, she became the President of the Opposition Caucus. The Parti Québécois formed a minority government in two thousand twelve, and Maltais was appointed as Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Solidarity, along with being the Minister responsible for the status of women.

Throughout her tenure, Maltais was known for her left-wing stance within the Parti Québécois. She was elected six times in the inner-city riding of Taschereau, which, despite being a stronghold for the PQ, became increasingly competitive in recent years. In two thousand fourteen, she narrowly retained her seat by a margin of four hundred votes against her Liberal challenger, marking her as the only PQ representative in the region. She chose not to run for re-election in two thousand eighteen.

In a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ representation, Maltais became the first openly lesbian member of the National Assembly in two thousand three, publicly coming out at Laval University. Her commitment to social issues extended to her participation in the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights in two thousand six, showcasing her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities.