Robert Bourassa

Robert Bourassa was a master political strategist who served as Premier of Quebec across two distinct eras (1970–1976 and 1985–1994). Elected premier at age thirty-six, Bourassa faced the severe October Crisis of 1970 within months of taking office, defending democratic institutions while securing social safety reforms.

His lasting economic triumph was the monumental James Bay Hydroelectric Project, which he launched in 1971 despite fierce skepticism, harnessing northern rivers to create one of the world's largest clean energy complexes and fueling Quebec's economic independence. Bourassa also negotiated the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975 with the Cree and Inuit.