Philippe Couillard wins Quebec Liberal leadership race

Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate Philippe Couillard waves to delegates after his speech at the party's convention Sunday, March 17, 2013 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The new leader of the Quebec Liberals says he wants to strengthen the province’s place in the country, putting to rest decades of divisions between French- and English-speaking Canada.

Philipe Couillard, the province’s former health minister, took aim at the governing Parti Quebecois on Sunday after his win, calling the policies of the government of Pauline Marois “divisive.”

“The PQ government belongs to the past,” said the 55-year-old who captured 58.5 per cent of the vote after a first-ballot victory.

“Whether you are a federalist in your heart or in your head, you have your place here regardless of your accent, you’re a Quebecer if your heart is here,” said Couillard in his seven-minute victory speech, his first address as leader.

Couillard’s federalist message was echoed by long-time Liberal leader Jean Charest, who resigned after losing his own seat in September when his government was defeated by Marois and the PQ.

“For those who still question where the future of Quebec will be, please, please never let yourselves be convinced by a separatist or anyone else that Quebecers want to live outside of Canada,” Charest said.

Couillard, who came out of political retirement to take a run at the party’s top job, does not have a seat at the National Assembly.

Of the 55-year-old’s two rivals, former transport minister Pierre Moreau won 22 per cent of votes while former finance minister Raymond Bachand captured 19.5 per cent of votes.

Addressing the delegates ahead of Sunday’s vote at the Verdun Auditorium in Montreal, Couillard said he would restore confidence and transparency in Quebec’s politics and seek to have Quebec ratify the Canadian constitution.

He also emphasized economic stability and promised to reform the tax system.

“We Liberals know that prosperity goes hand in hand with the affirmation of our identity and freedom of choices,” he said. “Success commands respect.”

With files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV Montreal