Veteran western Quebec MNA quitting, fuels election talk

Norman MacMillan, Quebec Junior Minister of Transport, on on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 at the Quebec legislature.

A Liberal politician who has been a member of the Quebec national assembly since 1989 is quitting politics with an election call likely just weeks away.

Norman MacMillan says the looming provincial election played a role in his announcing his decision earlier than expected.

Rumours have been swirling that the election could be held in the second week of September, but Montreal La Presse said today Premier Jean Charest's preference is Sept. 4 -- the day after Labour Day.

The 64-year-old MacMillan has represented the western Quebec riding of Papineau ever since winning a byelection since 1989.

MacMillan was most recently junior transport minister.

He also served as Liberal whip between 2005 and 2008.