Pascale Bouchard, President and General Director of the CHUM Foundation, comes from Chazel in Abitibi, very close to La Sarre. She loves her region, especially that of Chazel, which had 600 inhabitants at the time.
Pascale has been a speaker in various international forums and was notably a finalist in the Women of Influence competition in 2019. She is happy with the path she has taken.
She is even more proud of what her three children have become.
Your parents had a background as teachers.
My father taught me the importance of being a leader and not being afraid to get involved in different decision-making roles.
Your mother trusted you.
My mother often reminded me that she had great faith in me, but I had to pay a price for it. I only had one name and I couldn’t disappoint her with my actions.
Your parents instilled certain life values in you.
They taught me the importance of working hard and respecting the people around me. Furthermore, to recognize and appreciate the people who help and support me in my activities.
They were active in primary and secondary school.
I was very young when I attended my first school fundraiser. I left school shortly after class to be the first to recruit the residents for my chocolate sale. It worked well.
Tell us about the summer holidays in the chalet.
I enjoyed my summers at Lake Abitibi with my family. I have about 50 cousins. So understand me, I have found a way to have fun and do different activities with them, including outdoor hikes.
Have you done any sports?
No, because I loved reading and my sports activities consisted of cycling from one place to another. However, I loved walking in the woods and cross-country skiing.
You developed your independence at a young age.
As the oldest child, I often helped my mother with housework.
They took part in various school activities.
I loved being involved throughout elementary and high school. I organized fundraisers, was part of the choir and discovered the challenge of doing student radio and hosting the gala evenings that I often organized.
What was your first job?
In addition to looking after children aged 12 and over, a few years later I worked at McDonald’s in La Sarre. I then found jobs in boutiques in La Sarre before graduating high school.
You lived in Blainville when you attended CEGEP.
I enjoyed studying at CEGEP Lionel-Groulx, but it was a radical change in my life.
For what ?
After my first week, I sat alone in the cafeteria and realized I had no friends.
A simple hello!
I always said “Hello” to people, while in my new surroundings it was rare for people I didn’t know to greet me with a simple “Hello”.
Have things changed over time?
Without a doubt, my circle of friends grew, especially when I began my studies at the University of Montreal.
What was your first car?
(Laughter) An old used car, 1986 Dodge Colt in rust color.
You studied law at the University of Montreal.
It was a wonderful time that opened my life to other horizons.
You were involved in the student newspaper.
The University of Montreal student newspaper Le pigeon dissident enabled me to become a young journalist covering cultural activities in Montreal. I attended plays by Michel Tremblay, whose book I had previously read. My favorite actress was without a doubt Sylvie Drapeau.
You became editor-in-chief of the newspaper.
The second Quebec referendum took place on October 30, 1995. As part of my work, I met Prime Minister Jacques Parizeau, elected in 1994.
Why did you give up your career as a lawyer?
I thought I was some kind of wise man who would protect the widow and the orphan. I was completely wrong. My goal was to find quick solutions, but I realized that the justice system took years to find a solution.
How do you describe your leadership role?
I like sitting on the train, more specifically taking charge, rather than watching the parade go by.
You are surrounded by a dynamic team.
I am the head of a foundation that supports the CHUM, which admits around half a million patients every year. Without the help of my colleagues, it would be difficult or even impossible to achieve our goals.
I sense great emotion from you when you talk to me about your three children.
You are without a doubt with my partner, the anchor of my life, the pride and joy of my life.
