MONTREAL -- One of the founding members of the Parti Quebecois has died from complications due to COVID-19.

Marc-Andre Bedard had been lived in a seniors’ residence in Chicoutimi, and overnight was rushed to hospital where he passed away. He was 85.

He was first elected in 1973 and represented Chicoutimi until leaving politics in 1985. 

Bedard served as justice minister under former premier Rene Levesque, and reformed Quebec's Charter of Rights. 

His son, Stephane, was a PQ MNA for Chicoutimi from 1998 until 2015. 

“On behalf of all of Marc-André's family, it is with deep sadness that we inform you that he left us this morning,” said Stéphane Bédard, adding that his father left Quebecers “an immense legacy, marked by confidence and pride, the constant search for justice and commitment to its community.”

- With files from The Canadian Press

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