The Honourable Jean Charest, 2026 CCA Conference keynote speaker
Partner, Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur
Premier of Québec (2003-2012)
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (1993)
Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada
As Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec, and with a public service career spanning almost 30 years, Jean Charest is one of Canada’s best known political figures.
Jean Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at age 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister as Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.
In 1994, Jean Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. He held that position until 1998 when he became Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Mr. Charest then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Furthermore, the Charest government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and was best known for a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec called “Plan Nord”. Jean Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
He is today a Partner at Canadian firm Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.
In January 2025, Jean Charest was appointed to the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations launched by the Prime Minister of Canada. He is also a member of the steering committee of the private sector Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) to collaborate on tariff and CUSMA issues.