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Joseph-Mignault-Paul Sauvé (March 24, 1907 – January 2, 1960) was a Quebec politician. He was born in St-Benoit, Quebec, Canada.
He served overseas in the Canadian military during the Second World War, and took part in the Normandy landing.
His political career began in 1930, when he was elected to the Quebec legislature as a Conservative. He was defeated in the 1935 election.
He was a founder of the Union Nationale (UN) party, which succeeded the Conservative party, and was returned to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec in 1936.
After the death of Premier and UN leader Maurice Duplessis on September 10, 1959, Sauvé succeeded him in both positions. Sauvé died in office on January 2, 1960, having served as premier for only 114 days.
During those "hundred days", as historians of the period call them, Sauvé undertook a wide-ranging review of issues facing the Quebec government, including many that had been ignored during the Duplessis era. Sauvé is viewed as having upheld his convictions and had not succumbed to fear of demotion by "The Chief" (Duplessis). Some say that he stood alone in a cabinet of "yes men".
When he became Premier (also called "Prime Minister" in Quebec), he announced radical changes in the ways Quebec would run. His resolve was conveyed in the motto he adopted: "Désormais" (from now on). He undertook to implement these changes immediately, but died suddenly in office, leaving the Union Nationale government in disarray.
Elections as party leader
None. He died in office in 1960.
See also
External links
- Extensive biography of Paul Sauvé from Marianopolis College (http://www2.marianopolis.edu/quebechistory/bios/sauve.htm)
- National Assembly biography (http://www.assnat.qc.ca/fra/membres/notices/s/SAUVJMP.htm) (in French)
| Preceded by: Maurice Duplessis | Premier of Quebec 1959-1960 | Succeeded by: Antonio Barrette |
| Preceded by: Maurice Duplessis | Leader of the Union Nationale 1959-1960 | Succeeded by: Yves Prévost |