July 05, 2012 - 3:10 PM
QUEBEC - The Parti Quebecois says it is adding a high-profile candidate to its roster for the next provincial election.
Pierre Duchesne resigned from Radio-Canada last month after 25 years at the broadcaster, most recently as chief correspondent at the legislature.
PQ Leader Pauline Marois made the announcement about Duchesne in Quebec City this afternoon.
Premier Jean Charest was circumspect when asked on Wednesday about Duchesne possibly running for the PQ, but said he might have things to say about his integrity if the rumour proved true.
Marois bristled at Charest's comments, saying the new candidate never showed any bias toward the PQ in his reports.
At least one source said the first discussions between the PQ and Duchesne took place at the beginning of the year.
Duchesne is also the author of an unauthorized biography on former Quebec premier Jacques Parizeau.
There is persistent speculation that Charest will call an election for this fall although his mandate does not expire until late 2013.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012