Montreal

Pierre Karl Péladeau 'touched' by Quebecers' kind words

Former Parti Québécois leader Pierre Karl Péladeau is thanking Quebecers for supporting his decision to step down.

Former PQ leader writes message on Facebook to thank people for support since stepping down

Pierre Karl Péladeau was elected in the the riding of Saint-Jérôme in April 2014. He became PQ leader but abruptly resigned in May 2016. (Peter McCabe/Canadian Press)

Former Parti Québécois leader Pierre Karl Péladeau is thanking Quebecers for supporting his decision to step down.

Péladeau took to social media to speak out publicly for the first time since he abruptly quit as party leader last week.

He wrote a message on his Facebook page, saying he was touched by messages that people have posted there and that he greatly appreciates the kind words.

Péladeau stepped down abruptly as leader of the party on May 2, saying he made the decision for family reasons.

"I also thank all the citizens I crossed paths with or ran into on the street who told me they understand and support my decision," his Facebook post read.

Péladeau went on to say that he remains a militant who is deeply attached to the PQ and continues to be committed to Quebec sovereignty.

Party members will elect a new leader in the fall.