He established a successful law practice, was soon drawn to politics, and served as a chief organizer for the Conservative Party of Canada in Montreal.

In July, however, Patenaude resigned from the Canadian Cabinet in protest of the government's decision to implement conscription.

Patenaude proved, however, to be little match for Ernest Lapointe and the Liberal Party of Canada, and secured only 4 seats in the province.

Patenaude led the Conservative Party in Quebec for a second time during the 1926 federal election but again fared poorly and was himself defeated.

[citation needed] Coderre appointed Puisne Judge, Superior Court of Quebec, 6 October 1915