15°c Partly cloudy
6°c Clear
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
Sleepy politician breaks silence on question period siesta in Quebec
Daniel Breton walks away after he announced his resignation as environment minister Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the legislature in Quebec City. From rising political star to dozing denizen of parliament's sleepy suburbs — it's been a grueling few months for Breton.The star recruit for the Parti Quebecois had been catapulted from green activist into the prestigious role of provincial environment minister last fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
QUEBEC - From rising political star to dozing denizen of parliament's sleepy suburbs — it's been a grueling few months for Daniel Breton.
The star recruit for the Parti Quebecois had been catapulted from green activist into the prestigious role of provincial environment minister last fall.
But he was swiftly demoted to the backbenches after some personal controversies. Now he's being forced to explain his struggles to stay awake in the legislature.
Breton was caught on camera repeatedly dozing off during question period this week. Asked about it, he said Wednesday that he could be suffering from a sleeping disorder.
"Because I've been having problems sleeping, on Feb. 4 I asked a doctor to conduct some tests for sleep apnea and they will take place on March 7," Breton said.
"It's as simple as that."
Sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions that wake people up overnight.
The longtime environmental activist suffered a series of political headaches after being named to the environment portfolio following the PQ's Sept. 4 election win.
Less than three months later, he was forced to quit.
There was an initial controversy over his alleged interference in the workings of an ostensibly arm's-length environmental review board.
But what ultimately forced him out were media reports that he had been convicted of employment-insurance fraud, was convicted of driving with a suspended licence, and had twice been evicted for not paying his rent.
His question period siesta occurred while a cabinet minister, standing right in front of him, faced intense questioning about a high-profile summit on university tuition.
More Latest News
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
More Latest News
(1 of 35 articles for today)
On leave-taking, Carney came to praise Canadian system and offer some advice
1:04 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Latest News
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- Male facing charges after gun fired in Exchange District
- Harper expected to speak to Tory caucus Tuesday in wake of Senate scandal
- Emergency crews pull man from submerged vehicle
- Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of rock group The Doors, dies at 74 from cancer
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
- Tornado leads CBS to pull season-ending episode of 'Mike & Molly'
- A gay kiss for Archie Comics' Kevin Keller is also a poke at real life controversy
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- US woman credits 'mother's instincts' in chase of 4-year-old daughter's abductor
- Flood victim gets six years for shotgun threat, attack
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- Driver crashes into tree near golf course
- Arrests made after raids on local head shops
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Susan Griffiths dies in Switzerland
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Police make grow-op bust
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- Nearly 10 years after devolution, Southern Authority hasn’t created its own standards
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- The rail riders' riot
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Man breaks world record by riding Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy Pier for more than 48 hours
- Tornado leads CBS to pull season-ending episode of 'Mike & Molly'
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Marsh Madness: Photographers Fred Greenslade and Joe Bryksa capture spring migration's grandeur at Delta Marsh
- Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day to honour aboriginals
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Uganda: Blessed are the children
- Province removing red tape in alcohol sales
- Animals are animals, new ads say
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- New website profiles neighbourhoods of Winnipeg
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Dogs can experience separation anxiety and depression just like humans
- Paul McCartney to play Winnipeg Aug. 12
- Ontario steps in to help save ELA
- Saskatchewan professor wants to test the health benefits of nose-picking
- 'Revenge of the redheads': Ginger-haired Montrealers gather in celebration
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- Retail sales in province see 2 per cent increase in February
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.