Michel Gauthier
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Michel Gauthier (born February 18, 1950 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a Canadian politician and former leader of the Bloc Québécois for one year (1996-1997). He was Leader of the Opposition during this time.
Born in Quebec, Quebec, Gauthier was not one of the Bloc's better-known MPs but after Lucien Bouchard resigned to become premier of Quebec, Gauthier won the 1996 BQ leadership election, defeating Francine Lalonde. The vote was conducted among members of the party's directorate rather than by all members of the party, and this hurt Gauthier's legitimacy. His lack of profile resulted in some opposition parties mocking Gauthier as being the "faceless leader" of the opposition, as he was largely a political unknown in most of Canada and even in Quebec.
Gauthier's leadership was unpopular with the caucus due to his conservative views and lack of charisma, and facing a revolt by his MPs Gauthier resigned in 1997. He was succeeded by Gilles Duceppe.
| Preceded by: Gilles Duceppe | Leader of the Opposition in the Canadian House of Commons 1996-1997 | Succeeded by: Gilles Duceppe |
| Preceded by: Gilles Duceppe | Leaders of the Bloc Quebecois 1996-1997 | Succeeded by: Gilles Duceppe |
| Preceded by: Benoît Bouchard | Member of Parliament for Roberval 1993- | Succeeded by: Incumbent |