(Quebec) The executive vice-president of Hydro-Québec Claudine Bouchard would be the unanimous choice of the board of directors of the state company to succeed Michael Sabia as CEO, learned The press.
The CA would thus bet on experience and stability while the last two bosses, Sophie Brochu and Michael Sabia, came from the external and left their post before the end of their mandate.
Claudine Bouchard has over 25 years of experience in Hydro-Québec. She was appointed executive vice-president and operation of the exploitation and infrastructure in 2023. She first reached a post of vice-president three years earlier.
The recommendation of the turnover would have come to the Legault government, which has the last word. François Legault would have had an interview with Mme Bouchard, still according to our information.
The Prime Minister’s office did not want to confirm or deny our information “out of respect for the selection process”. We add that mme Bouchard is an “excellent candidate”.
The Legault government could appoint quickly. Michael Sabia will leave his post officially on July 4, as he announced on June 11.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has recruited him to become the highest official in the country, as a clerk of the Private Council office and secretary of the Government of Canada.
A reform to be implemented
Michael Sabia’s decision had the effect of an electroshock to the government. François Legault learned it a few days before the announcement. Members of the government only knew it the same day. Including the Minister of Energy, Christine Fréchette, who had nevertheless had a meeting with Mr. Sabia the day before.
The reform on energy, which the government adopted under the gag on June 7, had been strongly influenced by Michael Sabia.
It was Mr. Legault’s chief of staff, Martin Koskinen, who had surveyed Mr. Sabia’s interest in the CEO of Hydro-Québec in the spring of 2023, after the departure of Sophie Brochu two years before the end of her mandate. Mr. SABIA was then underminant to finance in Ottawa.
At the time, the name of Claudine Bouchard had circulated to succeed Mme Brochu.
The appointment of a new CEO comes at a decisive moment. Hydro-Québec must implement its ambitious development plan, investments of almost 200 billion by 2035 aimed at increasing its electricity production capacity. The reform on energy aims to give it frank cubits to accelerate this development.
As a member of the senior management, Claudine Bouchard participated closely in the preparation of the plan. It is de facto well placed to execute it. His fine knowledge of the state -owned company is considered an asset in order to take action quickly.
