Quebec Premier Jean Charest. (MAXIME DELAND/QMI AGENCY)

MONTREAL — Former Quebec premier Jean Charest is set to return to the private sector as a lawyer for a Montreal-area firm, sources told QMI Agency.

The news contradicts speculation that he would return to federal politics, at least in the short term.

Charest became the youngest minister in Canadian history when he was appointed minister of state for youth in Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative cabinet in 1986. Before entering politics, Charest worked as a lawyer for a few years.

Sources told QMI Agency that Charest hasn't made a final decision on which law firm he'll join. However, sources said Charest will most likely choose a major firm in Montreal.

Charest resigned as leader of the Quebec Liberals after he lost his seat in the Sept. 4 provincial election. The Parti Quebecois won a minority government.

Speculation that Charest would make a move to federal politics was somewhat tamed after an Abacus poll conducted for Sun New Network revealed Quebec Liberal voters weren't too keen on picking Charest at the federal level.