Jean-Francois Lisée is throwing his hat into the ring to become leader of the Parti Quebecois.

The former advisor to premiers Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchard is calling on the PQ to reboot its push for sovereignty in a manner which includes all Quebecers, including anglophones.

"There is a significant number of anglo Quebecers who feel that Quebec is their home. They share the values that we share of progressive values, green values," said Lisée. "This is a singular place in North America and we have to build on this specificity... The idea that an independent Quebec that is socially open that is green that is connected to its diversity is an idea that can attract a good number of anglo quebecers."

In his new book, which was published on Halloween, Lisée provided his impression of the short-lived PQ government in which he was a cabinet minister, and revealed he disliked the Charter of Values and likely would have voted against it.

When the Charter of Values was a pressing issue Lisée argued for a grandfather clause that would have allowed existing public employees to wear religious icons, but would prevent new hires from exercising the same right.

In recent weeks Lisée has criticized Pierre Karl Peladeau, the undeclared front-runner candidate to lead the party, as a "time bomb." Lisée said it is unacceptable that the media mogul continues to hold his shares in Quebecor, and said his doing-so will let the PQ become a target for criticism.

Peladeau has yet to officially enter the race, but said the debate between them with be healthy.

"Pierre-Karl will have his own views, others will have their views, and in the end there's going to be a choice," said Lisee.

Other candidates to lead the PQ include Alexandre Cloutier, Bernard Drainville, and Martine Ouellet.

Political analyst Jean Lapierre said he expects Lisee to spice up the race.

"He's going to have hundreds of ideas, he's going to push the other candidates and so he'll make the race interesting," he said, adding, "I dont think he has any chance of winning."

Lisee only earned 12 per cent of the PQ vote in a recent poll among people who seek sovereignty.

He admits he's got a lot of work to do in the race that will only be decided next May.