Bloc leader

Was a union organizer for the Confederation des Syndicats Nationaux, and in his first election, he had the support of many community leaders and activists. One New Democratic Party leader actually withdrew from the by-election so she wouldn't harm Mr. Duceppe's chances of winning in 1990.

Mr. Duceppe has always had a strong sense of justice for francophones and has been known for his articulate manner in the House of Commons. He has been attempting to prove that the Bloc is not just a one-issue party.

He became a separatist in 1967, the same year as René Lévesque. Soon after, he joined in the labour movement and communism. He belonged to the Communist Workers party for three years.

In 1990, he was propelled into politics after winning in the riding of in Laurier-Ste-Marie, Que.

He was named opposition House Leader 1996

Elected Leader of the Bloc in 1997, becoming, for a short time, the leader of the Official Opposition.

The Bloc took  44 seats in 1997, falling behind the Reform party

In 2000 elections, Bloc cedes seats to the Liberals, falling to 38 seats in the province.