Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Quebec Liberal Party leader Jean Charest and his wave, Michele Dionne, wave to the crowd after a tribute in his honour at the party's convention Saturday, March 16, in Montreal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Quebec Liberals took time out from their leadership convention today to pay tribute to former premier Jean Charest.

Charest, who led the party for 14 years, including nine as premier, was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation at the convention in Montreal.

In a series of speeches, Charest was painted as a visionary who helped reform the province's health care and education system, all while keeping Canada together while under threat from Quebec separatists.

Tributes poured in from outside the province as well, ranging from Alberta Premier Alison Redford to the former president of Senegal.

For his part, Charest says he has no regrets about his time in office and urged Quebec Liberals to unite behind whichever candidate is chosen as his replacement on Sunday.

Three former cabinet ministers are vying to take over the job _ Philippe Couillard, Raymond Bachand and Pierre Moreau.