Éric Duhaime recovering after heart attack; vows to return strong in 2025

By Isaac Lamoureux

Leader of the Quebec Conservative Party Éric Duhaime announced that he was recovering in the hospital after suffering a cardiac attack on Saturday.

The leader seemed in good spirits, sharing a picture of himself with a thumbs up on X.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine now,” said Duhaime in French. “My partner immediately took me to the hospital, where the medical staff took excellent care of me.

He thanked the medical staff and said his recovery was not in question.

“Our body sometimes sends us little signals that we need to listen to in order to take a small breather,” said Duhaime. 

He added that he intends to take a break over the next few weeks to come back in top shape for a big Conservative year in 2025.

“I love you!” Duhaime said to his followers.

Duhaime received support in the replies to his post.

Various respondents wished Duhaime a quick and healthy recovery. Among them were Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, former leader of the Conservative Party Erin O’Toole, and Quebec Premier François Legault.

However, Conservatives weren’t the only ones to wish Duhaime to get well.

Leader of the official opposition Marc Tanguay told Duhaime to get well soon. So, too, did Québec Solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal and Leader of the Parti Québécois Paul St-Pierre Plamondon

Duhaime began his parliamentary career as a parliamentary assistant, researcher, and political advisor to the Bloc Québécois leader between 1993 and 1999. He continued his career as a political advisor for the official opposition between 2000 and 2002. He had further advisor roles until 2008.

Between 2010 and 2020, Duhaime became a columnist for various Canadian media. 

On Apr. 17, 2021, Duhaime was elected leader of the Québéc Conservative Party.

Duhaime published a follow-up post to X on Sunday. 

He explained that he experienced a sharp pain in his sternum that increasingly worsened on Friday night. When his arms began to go numb, his partner took him to the nearest emergency room.

“There, I underwent a series of tests throughout the night. Early in the morning, the cardiologist came to confirm that I had suffered a heart attack due to blocked arteries,” said Duhaime.

The doctors re-opened the blocked arteries and inserted a tube to ensure they remained unblocked.

Duhaime said he was resting on Sunday and felt tired but was experiencing no particular pain. He said he would do further tests on Monday and could be discharged early this week.

“Two small positive lessons to remember: If you feel unwell, consult a professional quickly; always enjoy life to the fullest,” concluded Duhaime.

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