Radio-Canada said that the former premier, who served in the cabinet of prime minister Brian Mulroney prior to entering provincial politics, has received so many calls from within the Tory caucus seeking his return that he has been “shaken” by the intensity of the recruitment effort.

According to the report, Charest’s three main political concerns for the country are national unity, the environment and Canada’s place on the world stage.

Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer announced his plan to step down Dec. 13.