Lise Payette, Quebec author, journalist, feminist and politician, dead at 87
MONTREAL — Lise Payette, a former Parti Quebecois cabinet minister who was responsible for creating the province’s automobile insurance board and who ended up playing a key role in the 1980 referendum campaign, has died at the age of 87.
The popular Quebec feminist, author, journalist and television personality was surrounded by friends and relatives when she died Wednesday, her family said in a statement.
“Lise Ouimet Payette managed to take control of her destiny and advance Quebec society through her determination, courage and willingness to offer the generations that followed a better and more equal world,” the statement said.
Quebec sovereignty and equality for women were the causes that marked Payette’s life but she is perhaps best remembered in certain circles for unintentionally hurting the Yes campaign during the 1980 independence referendum campaign.