Jacques Parizeau remembered as builder of modern economy in Quebec

Quebec Premier Rene Levesque talks with his Finance Minister Jacques Parizeau after Levesque arrived late for the first session of the premier's conference on the economy in Ottawa, February 2, 1982. (Ron Poling / The Canadian Press)

MONTREAL -- Business leaders in Quebec are remembering Jacques Parizeau as a builder of the province's economy and financial institutions.

Billionaire investor Stephen Jarislowsky says he vehemently disagreed with Parizeau's separatist aspirations but not his economic views, which he described as forward-thinking.

Parizeau, an economist who also served as provincial finance minister before becoming premier, advised Liberal and Union Nationale premiers in the 1960s to nationalize Hydro-Quebec and helped create the Quebec Pension Plan.

He also helped establish pension fund manager the Caisse de depot, provincial investment agencies and a stock savings plan.

Premier Philippe Couillard says the Caisse's Montreal headquarters will be renamed after Parizeau in his honour.

Parti Quebecois Leader Pierre Karl Peladeau, the former head of Quebecor, says Parizeau was an inspiration for the launch of his own political career.

Peladeau says Parizeau was instrumental in giving francophone Quebecers the tools to ensure their economic development and the creation of large Quebec companies.