Who was Frederic Bastien? Canadian Author and Former PQ Leadership Candidate Dead at 53

Frederic Bastien was a Candian author and former leadership candidate for the Part Quebecois (PQ) who finished fourth in the 2020 PQ leadership race against Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Sylvian Gaudreault, and Guy Nantel.

He was found unresponsive at home after working out on their stationary bike, according to his wife, Marie-Ève Lépine. He was 53 years old.

Tributes from his former opponents poured in after his death was announced.

“I think of his loved ones. Want or not, I think of us all. I think of Don Quixote who was going to knock down the mills of hypocrisy for Quebec, his nation. Without fear,” Bloc Quebecois leader, Yves-Francois Blanchet also shared.

PQ leader, St-Pierre Plamondon wrote on Twitter: “Frederic was a lifelong activist who gave much of his life to the cause of Quebec. He is survived by his wife and three children. My thoughts are with them and the Parti Quebecois offers them all our support.”

“We had many conversations during the PQ leadership race. Discussions that were often tough but always enriching. A man with a sharp mind, totally dedicated to Quebec,” Guy Nantel also wrote.