IMMO 2026: Proprios d'ici, piliers de notre économie

About the Honourable Jean Charest

Partner, Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur
Premier of Québec (2003-2012)
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (1993)
Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada

As Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec, and with a public service career spanning almost 30 years, Jean Charest is one of Canada’s best known political figures. 

Jean Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at age 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister as Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.

In 1994, Jean Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. He held that position until 1998 when he became Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Mr. Charest then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008.

Furthermore, the Charest government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and was best known for a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec called “Plan Nord”. Jean Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).  

He is today a Partner at Canadian firm Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.

In January 2025, Mr. Charest was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada to the Council on Canada–U.S. Relations, which has since become the Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations, a role in which his mandate was renewed in April 2026. He is also a member of the steering committee of the private-sector Canada–United States Trade Council, collaborating on issues related to tariffs and CUSMA.

Luc Poirier is a successful entrepreneur who transformed a childhood spent in public housing into a remarkable career in business. Through determination, hard work, and vision, he has become an inspiring example of personal and professional success.

He is the Founder and President of Poirier and an investor and shareholder in approximately 30 companies operating across a wide range of industries, including real estate, engineering, environmental services, media, and active and urban transportation. Deeply committed to giving back, he is actively involved with numerous foundations and community organizations.

In October 2016, his biography, Voir grand : leçons de vie, d’affaires et de liberté, became an instant bestseller in Quebec, reflecting the strong impact of his story on the public.

Today, Luc Poirier is a sought-after keynote speaker, recognized for his engaging presentations and business expertise. Through his talks, he inspires audiences to push beyond their limits and think bigger in both their personal and professional lives. Audience feedback is consistently positive, highlighting his authentic, practical, and motivational approach and the lasting impact it has on those who hear him speak.

Francis is a consultant, economist, and keynote speaker with extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership development, and economic research. Throughout his career, he has led hundreds of strategic planning and leadership development initiatives, as well as dozens of economic studies across a wide range of industries. He also brings significant international experience, having delivered strategy, research, and training mandates throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.

As an author, blogger, and speaker, Francis has published numerous studies on regional economics, media economics, digital transformation, economic inequality, and social mobility.

He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in International Affairs, and is a Certified Corporate Director (ASC).

An expert in real estate development, Mélanie plays a central role in business development, finance, sales and marketing, as well as legal and corporate affairs at Rachel Julien. Her involvement across these key functions has given her a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the real estate industry.

Mélanie is also a recognized leader within the industry. She serves as Chair of the IDU Housing Committee and is a member of the APCHQ Government Relations and Urban Planning Committee. She has also participated in the City of Montreal’s Housing Partners Table and actively promotes sustainable real estate development by delivering conferences on environmentally responsible construction.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mélanie is committed to her community. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of La Dauphinelle, a shelter that supports women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Mélanie Bergeron is a real estate broker and former journalist and news anchor who spent more than 15 years with TVA and LCN. In 2018, she left the career she loved to pursue real estate full-time, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives—a bold move at the time, especially with a young baby at home.

A real estate investor herself, Mélanie owns several residential and commercial properties with her husband and purchased her first duplex at the age of 22. Passionate about all things real estate, she shares her expertise every Saturday morning on Montreal's 98.5 FM as co-host of Les Dessous de l’Immobilier. She also appears regularly on television to provide commentary on current real estate issues.

Together with her husband and business partner, Mélanie completes approximately 150 real estate transactions each year, primarily on Montreal's South Shore and surrounding areas, as well as in Montreal and even the Magdalen Islands.