COCAINE QUESTIONS PRICKED BOISCLAIR'S THIN SKIN

Some wondered if Andre Boisclair's homosexuality might become an
issue in the Parti Quebecois leadership campaign.

Instead, his past cocaine use dominated the race and provided an
unexpected test of his leadership abilities.

The issue repeatedly dogged Boisclair, who refused to discuss how
often he did the drug when he was a PQ cabinet minister or who
supplied it to him.

Shortly before his cocaine use became front-page news, he was
confronted during a quiet moment over his reputed wild lifestyle
while in government.

Muttering a few now-familiar lines about youthful indiscretions, he
blushed and bolted for the exit.

After that moment in September, Boisclair took more heat for lacking
the leadership skills to get through the cocaine controversy than for
his actual use of the illegal drug.

Betraying a remarkably thin skin for a man seeking high political
office, Boisclair fired off a legal notice threatening to sue a
critic who questioned his educational credentials and another to an
opponent who suggested he'd paid for labour under the table.

Boisclair cancelled a host of public appearances and media encounters
during the campaign to avoid pointed questions.

He also abruptly ended news conferences when he did not like the line
of questioning, especially about his use of cocaine. Boisclair joined
the cabinet in 1996 under Lucien Bouchard, sharing conservative
fiscal policies and a desire for a new political arrangement with Canada.

He rose to higher prominence as environment and municipal affairs
minister in the dying days of the last PQ government under Bernard
Landry, who stepped down last June.

Boisclair repeatedly said he quit cocaine seven or eight years ago,
before Landry took over as PQ leader. Bouchard says he had no idea
Boisclair did cocaine under his watch.

Just six months ago, Boisclair was headed to the comfort of a
self-imposed exile and a six-figure annual income in Toronto after
spending a year at Harvard studying leadership. He wanted to work in
the private sector and learn more about the rest of Canada.

He was seen as a long-term potential PQ leader who wanted to round
out his experience by holding down a job in the private sector for a while.

Then Landry quit in June - and Boisclair couldn't resist going for
the job as leader.

'I Expect Respect'

A sketch of Andre Boisclair's life:

Born: In Montreal on April 14, 1966.

Status: Single.

Career: Elected in Gouin riding in 1989 and re-elected in 1994, 1998
and 2003. Served as citizens relations minister and immigration
minister 1996-98; social solidarity minister December 1998 to March
2001; municipal affairs and environment minister January 2002-April 2003.

Education: College Jean de Brebeuf 1983-1986; Universite de Montreal,
economics, 1986-1988; John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University, public administration, 2005.

Quote: "For who I am and what life has made of me, I expect respect
and expect also a good clap on the back from all Quebecers saying,
you know, 'You might be different, but you are a great Quebecer and
you are ready to lead Quebec and the Quebec government.' "