One of Quebec's most prominent sovereigntists is hoping to make a political comeback.

Former Parti Québécois cabinet minister Louise Beaudoin said she'll be a candidate in the next provincial election.

Beaudoin lost her South Shore seat in Chambly five years ago.

But she's ready to give politics another run, in the Montreal riding of Rosemont, if Premier Jean Charest calls an election later this month.

Beaudoin said she likes how PQ Leader Pauline Marois has steered the party since she took over as leader last year.

"The party under her is becoming what I hoped the party would be again," she told CBC News. "So it's good news for me."

She believes the Parti Québécois can "win, nationally speaking, and that inspires me," she said.

"I think that Mr. [Jean] Charest, let's say for almost two years, didn't do anything, and the reality is bouncing back," she said.

"It's time for decisions. And I think Quebecers understand that. With the economic problems that are coming, I think the government is not ready."

The former Quebec language minister said she has had time to do "interesting and important" work since leaving politics in 2003.

Beaudoin taught in the history department at the Université du Québec à Montréal after leaving politics.

She was also a researcher in the Centre for International and Globalization Studies at the francophone university.

Beaudoin was first elected in Chambly in 1994, and was re-elected in 1998. She is best known for her spirited defence of Quebec's language law, Bill 101.