The last year and a half has been full of all kinds of events for Pierre Bruneau. Last November he became the first winner of the René Lévesque Prize, an award that crowns an exceptional career in journalism. The TVA news anchor, who decided to retire in June 2022, feels privileged. He spent happy days with his wife Ginette, their family and friends.
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Photo: SIMON CLARK / TVA Publi
Mr. Bruneau, you have received two important awards while enjoying your well-deserved retirement. Is this a year you will remember for a long time?
I couldn't ask for anything better. Mario Dumont told me in a recent interview that “honors are raining down on Pierre Bruneau.” It's unexpected. This is happening while I'm in the best time of my life.
You were recently awarded a journalism award, of which you are the first recipient.
Yes, we announced this award in 2022 as part of the 100th birthday of the late René Lévesque. The Quebec government has decided to add an award for journalism in all media. In fact, I'm the first winner. I am very honored to have been selected. Furthermore, we are in a context where it is not easy for the media.
Photo: SIMON CLARK / TVA Publi
What does the René Lévesque Prize symbolize for you?
When I started in this profession, René Lévesque was for me an example of rigor, passion and compassion, values that I have instilled throughout my career. When I got into radio in 1972-1973, I had many opportunities to interview him. At the time, he was new to his political training with the Parti Québécois. When I came on television in 1976, it was during his election as premier of Quebec. He was there at the beginning of my career. It is very touching to receive this honor, but I remain very humble. René Lévesque is larger than life. The prize represents something bigger than me.
Were you with your family and loved ones during the awards ceremony?
The number of guests was quite limited, but everyone present was my family, my friends, the Foundation (Charles-Bruneau) and my colleagues. It really moved me to be able to bring these people together so they could celebrate with Ginette and me. Throughout my career, Ginette has been instrumental in helping us maintain balance and focus on my work, our family and the foundation.
You decided to retire a few months ago. Is it still as beautiful as it was in the beginning?
It's still so wonderful! We are in the process of anchoring our life even more firmly in retirement. We are privileged. I'm almost embarrassed to say this when we sense great fragility in our social context at a time when fake news is becoming more and more invasive. I am a victim of it myself! (We used Mr. Bruneau's name to sell CBD products.) People use our name even though I am in no way involved with this company! They call me president of this company, they usurp my name and my credibility. With artificial intelligence we experience the best and the worst. It comes from different countries and we are unable to get to the bottom of the origin of it all. So many Quebecers have been caught in this! Tell your readers, “Don’t fall for this!” I must have received 2,000 private messages about this.
Photo: SIMON CLARK / TVA Publi
Are you enjoying life apart from this inconvenience?
We have less active years ahead of us in which we will be in full possession of our resources. I see so many people around me who are sick, who have exams, who are undergoing procedures… So we tell ourselves that we have to take advantage of this now because it will go away quickly. Time goes by…
What does your everyday life look like?
The fall was very busy at the foundation. In addition, despite all the difficulties that the media is going through here – as we recently saw with the difficult decisions that had to be made at TVA – I have given several interviews. I am still in high demand, especially for podcasts. Otherwise, I stay at home and enjoy life. We really enjoy going for walks, Ginette and I. It is important in our everyday life. We
Let's go hiking in the mountains. I also really enjoy reading. Before, I read news reports, press releases and things related to my work. Now I immerse myself in good novels or good series. We also have the opportunity to have lunch with our friends.
Do you have travel plans with your partner?
Winter is just around the corner: we will undoubtedly visit friends in the warmth… (laughs) We still have many countries to travel to. People are surprised that we went on a trip for six months and enjoyed being together, Ginette and I. It depends on the intention with which we undertake our journey. If we leave with the intention of settling our affairs during the trip, things will get bad! Ginette and I didn't go to Si on s'aime! (laughs) We weren't there to consolidate anything, but to share our joy.
That's the beauty of a long-term relationship. What remains is the acceptance of one and the other.
We have long known our mistakes, but above all our qualities. We value the exchange. Life is not a long, calm river. We are getting old. We have our moods. Ginette had to get used to a pensioner who was more involved in her life. We adapted to this as we did to all other situations…
To learn more about the 10 Prix du Québec winners who contributed to the growth of Quebec's culture and influence internationally this year, go to Québec.ca/prixduquebec. To learn more about the Charles Bruneau Foundation: charlesbruneau.qc.ca/fr.
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