About Robert Bourassa

Robert Bourassa was a Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd premier of Quebec from 1970 to 1976 and from 1985 to 1994. A member of the Liberal Party of Quebec, he served a total of just under 15 years as premier.

More about the author

More quotes from Robert Bourassa

A diplomat had been kidnapped, a cabinet minister had been kidnapped, they were under threats of murder. The police forces were rather tired. After a whole week, we were unable to find those that had effected the kidnappings.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

You only need a few people to effect a kidnapping.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

One can always debate questions back and forth.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

It seemed to be inadmissible to give in on such a fundamental point. This would have meant that any one who would have wanted to be a terrorist could gain eventually their freedom thanks to another kidnapping.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

There is nothing more foreign to a civilised and democratic system than preventive detention.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

There was no censorship of the press: in general, the War Measures Act could have been made even more radical.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

I have always said that we did not expect a revolution in the streets.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

It is very difficult to know what may be in the back of the mind of public figures.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)

There was never in my mind a desire to give in on the subject of freeing the political prisoners.

Robert Bourassa

Canadian politician and lawyer (1933-1996)