Turcotte condemned the actions of the federal government during the North-West Rebellion, was part of the campaign in Quebec to save Louis Riel and supported autonomy for the Métis people. In 1884, after La Concorde ceased publication, he helped establish a new newspaper, La Sentinelle. In 1887, he was named minister without portfolio in the cabinet of Honoré Mercier and served as attorney general from 1888 to 1890.
Turcotte criticized the federal government's actions during the North-West Rebellion, defended Louis Riel, and advocated for Métis autonomy. After La Concorde ceased publication in 1884, he founded a new newspaper called La Sentinelle. He was appointed minister without portfolio under Honoré Mercier in 1887 and served as attorney general from 1888 to 1890.