The Concordian

Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Flickr Andre Boisclair, pictured here at a PQ charity event, is now reaching out to youth to pass on what he learned in politics.

Andre Boisclair began teaching at Concordia this semester. The former Parti Quebecois leader is teaching Strategic Communication at Concordia's School of Public Affairs, along with former Liberal Party insider, John Parisella. According to Boisclair, the class is about "communication in the public sector, the private sector and the NGO sector [and will cover] internal and external communication, the media, the media's role [and] crisis management."
The Concordian's Francois Lemieux sat down with Boislclair this past week to sound him out on how he's adapting to life as a teacher now that he's out of the political sphere.


You've probably heard about the controversy surrounding your decision not to apply to the part-time faculty association. Can you tell me what happened?

I'm not familiar with this controversy. I'm almost giving my time to be there. I'm just very happy to have an occasion to share my experience and to give back to students and the only reason why I'm there in the class: helping John [Parisella] during the semester.


You have no experience as a teacher. Do you have any apprehensions?

Not at all. I've been giving many speeches myself. I hold a Masters from Harvard University from the Kennedy School of Government. I'm very excited, I think the best ones to ask would be the students in the class.


What do you think you can teach to the students of the School of Community Affairs?

I think I'll bring a great experience, particularly in the governmental sector. I'll also bring a great experience with the media too.


Do you think you'll make a career out of teaching?

Well, this is just an offer that was made to me by Mr. Parisella and I'm very happy to have a chance to be in contact with the students. I'm happy to give back and we'll see for the future. I'm also working as an environmental consultant right now. This is my main concern right now. This is where I'm giving much of my time.


Do you think students will react negatively to your being a sovereigntist?

Not at all. The university is a place of debate, open to all ideas. It is a great place to live by the concept of free expression.

Continued...

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