Westmount MP Robillard to retire from politics

After announcing her decision last week, Robillard told the Examiner that her reasons for leaving federal politics were personal and not political.

"I've been thinking about it for a very long time now," she said. "I'm 61 and the choice I have in front of me is do I go on with my political life until I retire, or do I need other challenges. And I decided to meet new challenges after 17 years of public life."

Robillard said she hadn't made up her mind what she'll be doing now professionally. "I didn't plan anything specific for the future," she said. "I want to finish my term. I'll take a few weeks off and I'll see in time."

Robillard was recruited in 1995 to run for the Liberals by former prime minister Jean Chrétien. Chrétien wanted to bolster the Liberal team with committed federalists, at around the time when the Parti Québécois government was holding a sovereignty referendum. As such, he made her the minister responsible for the federal campaign in the referendum.

Robillard, who was the Liberal MNA for Chambly from 1989 to 1994, had recently been defeated by the PQ. "I received a call from the team of Mr. Chrétien on the eve of the referendum. And, because the country was at stake at the time, I said, yes, okay, I'll go."

Robillard's entry into federal politics turned out to be one of the most tumultuous chapters in her political life. "What a fight and what a campaign," she said of the referendum period. "A high point and I would say most difficult also … The result was so tight in the end."

Apart from the referendum saga, Robillard said she was deeply affected by another episode that took place during her first term. As Canada's immigration minister, she welcomed refugees from the troubled Serbian province of Kosovo. "I was there at the airport receiving families — families without the fathers. Fathers had been executed at the time. "

During her time in Ottawa, Robillard held many portfolios in the Liberal cabinet, including President of the Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Labour, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

She also served as Minister of Industry, Minister responsible for the economic development of Quebec and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. Most recently, she was Deputy House Leader.

Brigitte Garceau, president of the Westmount-Ville Marie Liberal riding association, said it was still too early to say who'll be seeking the nomination to replace Robillard. "We're still digesting the news," she said.

"I have to tell you, it was a bit of a shock for everybody who's been with Mme Robillard for, I think, at least nine, ten years as part of the executive of the association. I am certain that people who are interested will eventually rise at a certain point in time."