PQ leadership hopeful Veronique Hivon drops out of race due to viral infection

JOLIETTE, Que. – Citing an acute viral infection, Veronique Hivon dropped out of the Parti Quebecois leadership race Friday.

Hivon suspended her campaign last week due to labyrinthitis, which is an inflammation of the inner ear, and her campaign said in a statement her condition has deteriorated.

“Ms. Hivon’s current condition is forcing her to take a full and complete rest…on the strict advice of her doctor,” it said.

She needs at least four weeks rest, her campaign said, which will take her out of the race, considering party members vote in early October for a new leader.

Hivon was one of five people vying to replace Pierre Karl Peladeau, who stepped down last May for family reasons.

The remaining candidates are Alexandre Cloutier, Martine Ouellet, Jean-Francois Lisee and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.

Hivon remains a member of the legislature for the riding of Joliette. She is well-known for drafting Quebec’s first bill on medical-assisted dying when she was in cabinet during the Pauline Marois government.

The Liberals took up her legislation after the 2014 election and the bill became law in 2014.

The PQ leadership vote takes place Oct. 5-7.