Fitzgibbon, who held the economy and energy portfolios, told reporters in Rimouski, Que., today he's quitting two years ahead of the provincial election -- and right before hearings are to begin on his massive energy reform bill.

He says he had planned to stay until December to help move his bill through the legislature but Premier Francois Legault wanted him to leave immediately so that he doesn't become a distraction.

Fitzgibbon's energy reform bill makes sweeping changes to the way the province's hydro utility operates and how electricity rates will be fixed, among other major changes.

And after introducing the legislation in June, Fitzgibbon -- often called a "superminister" because of his power and influence over the economy -- says he has started to feel "a certain decline" in his motivation.

The departure comes at a delicate time for the Coalition Avenir Quebec, forcing Legault to reshuffle his cabinet and call a byelection in Fitzgibbon's riding amid a resurgent Parti Quebecois led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.

This report by was first published Sept. 4, 2024.