Although not an early riser by nature, Régis Labeaume has accepted a mandate as commentator Hello hello weekend starting Saturday 16 September as the show will be presented from Quebec.
“I hate getting up at this hour! I need to have some coffees because I’m slow in the mornings!”
What made the difference is that the show is set in the city he managed for 14 years, from 2007 to 2021. “We have to promote productions that are made in Quebec,” he said, adding that media was not a second career for him. “It’s extracurricular retirement!”
The 67-year-old even asked that his interventions alongside presenter Eve-Marie Lortie be added to the show as late as possible, he admitted to loud laughter.
Eve-Marie Lortie Photo / Julien Faugère
He comes from a ten-day stay in Florida, where he will return this winter, and will visit Morocco in November. “Professional is when there is space between hobbies. I turned down regular performances in Montreal. I don’t want to be available every day.”
Two years after leaving Quebec City Hall, Régis Labeaume says he’s “biting his life like crazy.” Although he has retired and slowed down, he remains at the center of news as a contributor and analyst for various media groups.
No mother-in-law
But be careful, Régis Labeaume will not play mother-in-law by commenting on the files of his successor as mayor of Quebec, Bruno Marchand, during the Salut Bonjour weekend. We tested him and he actually refused to talk about the tram issue. “I think no less, but I have nothing to say! I would have hated for Jean-Paul L’Allier to play mother-in-law during my time as mayor, so I’m not doing that. He was very elegant and I will do the same.
Fun with Eve-Marie Lortie
As for his collaboration with Salut Bonjour Weekend, Régis Labeaume expects a lot of fun with Eve-Marie Lortie.
“We’ll have to see with her what issues we discuss, but I’d tell you it doesn’t worry me much. Just writing a review of the week in my style, we should be good! I can talk about European politics, sports, literature and even Metallica. I’m pretty versatile.”
More relaxed and calm than in his 14 years in local politics, Régis Labeaume is enjoying retirement and is happy to have time to think, read and enjoy the little joys in life. “I’m having a lot of fun, I’m having a good life.” At the time of Friday’s interview, he couldn’t wait to start reading one of the three books he had just purchased.