Started New Partyfederal- Quebec

Lucien Bouchard

1990Prog. Conservative→Bloc Québécois

2/5 - Some moderate benefit, eventuallyRe-elected After CrossingNotable Crossing

Why They Crossed

Bouchard was a cabinet minister under PM Mulroney. When the Meech Lake Accord (a constitutional deal meant to bring Quebec into the constitution) failed, Bouchard left the party and founded the Bloc Québécois - a party dedicated to Quebec sovereignty.

What Happened

The Bloc became the Official Opposition in 1993 - an incredible achievement for a brand-new party. Bouchard later became Premier of Quebec. After politics, he became a partner at one of Canada's top law firms (Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg).