PQ MNA Bernard Drainville is quitting politics and returning to his media career.
Dranville entered politics a decade ago, leaving his career as a political reporter with Radio Canada. He was elected in 2007, and again in 2008 and 2012.
While part of the Marois government Drainville was the father of the controversial Charter of Values, legislation he is still proud of and fully supports.
He hopes to continue pushing the debate to make ironclad regulations separating church and state as a co-host of a radio program on FM 93 in Quebec City.
"I think mentalities evolved, there's a new consciousness on the idea that state and religion should be clearly separated," said Drainville.
The Charter of Values faltered in the way of the enormous schism it created in Quebec society, with millions of Quebecers clearly opposed to the idea of legislating what religious tokens people were allowed to wear.
Still, Drainville believes its time will come.
"Eventually, as I said, it will have to be put into law. The day has not arrived yet," said Drainville.
Following the 2014 election and Pauline Marois's resignation Drainville ran to become leader of the PQ, dropping out to support eventual victor Pierre Karl Peladeau.
He said again on Tuesday that he and Peladeau were close, and that once Peladeau left politics earlier this year the thrill of being in the National Assembly, which he likened to being a knight fighting Liberal hordes, was gone.
Drainville said he does support one particular candidate in the current PQ leadership race, but he will only reveal his support later this year when he gets behind the radio microphone.
