The sixties are generous to Colette Provencher. She has been a weather presenter at TVA for almost 30 years and has become an indispensable reference in the field. Happy at work, very well surrounded by her friends and loved ones, Colette was ready to take on new challenges, such as taking part in the destabilizing but humanly enriching experience, Get me out of here!.
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Colette, among the participating personalities Get me out of here!, you are certainly one of those who aroused the strongest reactions after announcing your participation. Many were surprised to see you there!
It’s true that doing reality TV isn’t exactly my style to begin with because I’m not competitive at all. But when I learned that the show’s big winner would win $100,000 for a cause of his choosing, I suddenly had the call of the jungle! (laughs)
It is true that it is a considerable sum!
I have been involved with various charities for several years, two of which are close to my heart. La Maison Source Bleue, a palliative care home in Boucherville that allows sick people to move with dignity to the end of their lives. And Mira, who offers people with disabilities a better quality of life thanks to guide and assistance dogs. I have both on Get Me Out Of Here! played.
Would you have been on the show just to get out of your comfort zone?
Honestly no. Everyday life already brings with it some challenges, I don’t have to destabilize myself to feel alive. That said, I saw my participation in Get Me Out of Here! an opportunity to work on myself, especially my self-confidence. I know where it’s coming from, but no matter how hard I try to improve that aspect of my personality, it stays impregnated within me.
And where exactly does it come from if it’s not too indiscreet?
My mother gave birth to five children in less than five years. When I was born she already had her hands full with four children aged 5 years, 4 years, 3 years and 2 years 11 months. She raised us almost alone since my father was an alcoholic. Without going into detail, I can tell you that the lack of attention inevitably had an impact on my self-esteem. I felt like nobody noticed me. I almost apologized for existing.
Julien Faugere
However, you give the image of a confident woman in full possession of her abilities!
The lack of confidence isn’t present in all areas of my life: I’m an outstanding mother and friend to count on and I’m super efficient at work… It’s more the personal that translates because I’m more reserved. Yes, I know that’s not the picture I get right away. I had to struggle with that for a large part of my life.
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What do you think?
I’m quite tall at 5’10” and I stand upright. When I arrive somewhere I avoid people’s looks because I’m shy. What impression do you think that gives? An aloof woman, business savvy and snobbish… I have For a long time I didn’t understand why people had this impression of me.It was the therapy that helped me to realize that the image I was projecting was not the woman I really am.
The S showGet me out of here! enables you to break through this image, because we discover you in a different light: an empathetic, resilient, funny and lovable woman.
That’s nice to hear! This show is first and foremost an incredible human experience! I experienced very strong emotional moments, especially with my beautiful Marianne St-Gelais. While she was on the show to learn how to lose, I was there to learn how to win! She and I had opposite wounds and that brought us closer.
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In the show you have intensive discussions with the other candidates. Of course you have taken on the role of confidant in the group.
If I hadn’t chosen a career in communications, I think, very modestly, that I would have made a good psychologist. I followed a series of therapies to learn how to get rid of certain patterns I was repeating unconsciously. Today, I enjoy using these tools to help others.
You were sick during the first challenge at Get me out of here!…
Oh! Yes! I have been under observation for several years for stomach problems. The extreme heat of the Costa Rican jungle, rationed food, lack of sleep… I was already not in top form when I took on the first challenge, which involves me being suspended by my feet and having to dive into a pool of water. It lasted three seconds and I gagged again. In fact, I threw up in a spray doused by host and producer Jean-Philippe Dion. (laughs)
Did you complete the challenge?
I leave you the pleasure of discovering it by watching the show, but one thing is for sure, it made me realize that I’m mentally stronger than I thought I was. Do you know what made the difference? I felt safe with the wonderful team at Productions Déferlantes. The fact that medical staff were on site at all times was very reassuring. Among the participants was even an intensive care physician, Dr. Francois Marquis. So we were in good hands.
Has this experience changed you?
Changed, no. Improved, yes. I’m still the same person with my qualities and my flaws, but I’m more aware of my tenacity, my worth, and what I can accomplish on a daily basis. I was hot there, I was hungry, I was dirty, the humidity made me swell like a pudding, and yet every evening I thanked life for putting such a beautiful challenge on my path, which made it possible for me to advance personal level and make extraordinary encounters. Since participating in this program, I’ve been more appreciative of what I have, more grateful.
How?
I am very well surrounded by my children, my nephews who I am very close to, my family and also my friends who have been a part of my life for the most part for 40 years. I love taking care of all these beautiful people who take care of me in return. We form a close-knit clan. I am proud of my gang, especially my son and daughter. Lambert is a crane operator, he loves his job and he just bought a house. Esther works in the pharmaceutical field at the Veterinary University Hospital Center in Saint-Hyacinthe.
Does she still live with you?
Yes, still in the same building, in Boucherville. We have had a Bernedoodle named Romeo for a year. Poor guy, he suffers from anxiety. We consulted a dog trainer, to no avail. The solution seems to be to treat him with medication, but we decided to accept him as he is affectionately nicknamed “our little lemon dog”.
are you still single
Yes, for four years. In our society, celibacy bothers many. It’s almost a taboo subject, like not being single and happy. However, this is my case. I’m busy and very well surrounded and I like my life the way it is. I don’t feel the pressure to be with someone just to avoid being alone.
Julien Faugere
Are you open to meeting someone?
Of course, but it’s not a condition of my happiness. I have the impression that when it happens, it’s at an event or through friends or acquaintances. Of course I will not register on dating apps. It must be said that I have been working in an editorial office for almost 30 years. Stories about fake profiles, scams or worse, I’ve heard a lot.
What does it take to seduce you?
Hm, good question… (Colette ponders.) Beyond mutual attraction, affinities, fluent conversations, the current has to flow. For the rest, I have no criteria other than authenticity. There’s no need to force things, it just has to be natural for this relationship to be more fortunate to me.
Julien Faugere
You seem to be in a good phase of your life.
Yes, I am indeed at a very good time in my life. I see the journey I’ve made, the person I’ve become, what I’ve built and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. The sixties are good for me, full of surprises like my participation in Sortez-moi d’ici!.
Get me out of here!, Sunday 6:30 p.m., at TVA. Colette presents weather forecast for weekdays VAT News. You too can support one of the causes that Colette defends, namely La Maison Source Bleue and the Mira Foundation: maisonsourcebleue.ca and mira.ca.