Biography
Normandeau attended the Université Laval in the early 1990s and obtained a bachelor's degree in political science and a certificate in African studies. While at university, she worked in the Quebec Premier's Office as a public relations officer and a secretary. She was elected mayor of the small Gaspésie town of Maria where she grew up, and held office from 1992 to 1995. She actively participated as a member of several local groups in the region.
Normandeau entered provincial politics in 1998 and was elected as the MNA for Bonaventure. She became the opposition critic for natural resources, fisheries and regions.
In 2003, when Jean Charest's Liberals defeated the Parti Québécois, Normandeau was re-elected for a second term and was named the Minister for regional development and tourism as well as the Minister responsible for the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. Following a cabinet shuffle in 2005, she was promoted to the position of Municipal Affairs replacing Jean-Marc Fournier who became the Education Minister.
She was re-elected in 2007 to become the new Deputy Premier and one of the prominent forces of the new minority government . She retained her position as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Regions and Minister for her region.
On April 23, 2009, Normandeau admitted to dating François Bonnardel, a member of the opposition Action démocratique du Québec (ADQ) caucus. Normandeau said Premier Charest was aware of the relationship and had no problem with it.
During a cabinet shuffle, Normandeau was named the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife succeeding Claude Béchard who was named the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Laurent Lessard inherited the municipal affairs portfolio.
On September 6, 2011, she announced her resignation as minister and member of the National Assembly, citing personal reasons. She has been romantically involved with former Montreal Police Chief Yvan Delorme.
Read more about this topic: Nathalie Normandeau
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