Charest, 41, has served as a member of Quebec's legislative assembly from Sherbrooke since leaving federal politics in 1998. Previously, he served as Federal Minister of Environment, Minister of Youth, and leader of the Progressive Conservative party as a representative of the same constituency.

According to Charest, issues of Quebecois and native Canadian sovereignty will lead to a "painful" era that will "test our values as Canadians."

At several points Charest took opportunities to illustrate humorously the differences between Canada and the United States.

"The common thread of our history is a rejection of the American experience," he said.

Charest pointed to Canada's more centralized political system and more courteous attitudes as major differences between the countries.

"We are the only people in the world who say 'thank you' to the ATM machine," he joked.

Charest has been in Boston for several days speaking with academics and politicians, including former Massachusetts governor and former Democratic presidential candidate Michael S. Dukakis.