Marc Carbonneau

Marc Carbonneau, born on May 29, 1933, was a notable figure in Quebec's political landscape, particularly known for his involvement with the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). A taxi driver by trade, Carbonneau became active in left-wing movements during the 1950s, eventually joining the FLQ in the mid-1960s. His political activism reached a peak during the October Crisis of 1970, when he was part of the Liberation Cell that kidnapped British Trade Commissioner James Cross.

On October 7, 1969, Carbonneau participated in protests against the Murray-Hill monopoly, an event that would later be referred to as the Murray-Hill riot. Following the kidnapping of Cross, he was placed on Canada's most wanted list on November 11, 1970. In a controversial turn of events, Carbonneau and his associates were granted voluntary exile in Cuba in exchange for Cross' release, leading to over a decade of life in Cuba and later France.

Upon his return to Quebec on May 25, 1981, Carbonneau faced legal repercussions for his past actions. Initially pleading not guilty to four counts related to kidnapping, he later changed his plea to guilty, resulting in a sentence of twenty months in prison and one hundred fifty hours of community service. His sentence was notably lighter than that of three other FLQ members who had returned earlier, attributed to mitigating factors such as his age, his guilty plea, and his efforts towards social reintegration.

In his personal life, Carbonneau married Huguette Carbonneau in February 1956 when he was just eighteen years old. Together, they raised four children, navigating the complexities of family life amidst the backdrop of his political activities.