Charest urged to find anglophone to replace Copeman

Quebec Premier Jean Charest should ensure the next Liberal candidate in retiring Russell Copeman's Montreal riding is an English speaker, some MNAs say.

Copeman, who represented the riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce since 1994, announced his resignation Wednesday, saying he no longer has the drive for politics.

He is leaving to take a job at Concordia University as associate vice-president of government relations.

Liberal MNA Lawrence Bergman said Copeman's departure is a loss and he hopes another anglophone can be found to run on the Liberal ticket in the riding.

Another colleague, high-profile MNA Geoffrey Kelley, said the composition of the National Assembly should continue to reflect the anglophone population, the largest minority in the province.

"Certainly that [an English speaker] is my first choice," he said. "If asked for advice, I would hope that NDG [Notre-Dame-de-Grâce ] would continue to be represented by someone who reflects the diversity of Quebec."

Copeman did not want to talk about his possible replacement, saying only that "it's quite appropriate that a parliament reflect the diversity of Quebec society and I believe that's a goal the premier shares."

Charest has six months to call a byelection in the riding.