Latest news with #Milliard
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Bishop's University Welcomes Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence
SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 15, 2025 /CNW/ – Bishop's University is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence at the Williams School of Business (WSB) for the Fall 2025 term. Developed following a recommendation from the Dean of the Williams School of Business, Dr. Margaret Shepherd, this appointment marks a new and innovative way for Bishop's to connect students and faculty with leaders from the business world, bridging scholarship and practice in meaningful ways. Mr. Milliard is a seasoned executive recognized for his ability to mobilize organizations and stakeholders in diverse fields, including health, economics, and public policy. Notably, he served as president of the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). As Executive in Residence, he will engage with students, faculty, and the wider community through guest lectures, mentorship, and participation in special events, providing contemporary leadership perspectives on strategy, innovation, and responsible growth. 'I am immensely proud to be joining the team at Bishop's University's Williams School of Business,' said Mr. Milliard. 'Bishop's is a small gem of a university, truly one of a kind in Quebec and Canada. I am genuinely delighted to be able to contribute, in my own way, to its profile, and to have the opportunity to teach the next generation of business leaders. My career so far has brought me into contact with inspiring people in the fields of health, economics, and politics, and I am honoured to now be able to spend time with students in the region where I live. Together, we will discuss the importance of our entrepreneurial fabric as a driver of our collective prosperity, and our shared ambitions for the Quebec of tomorrow.' Dr. Shepherd said, 'Having experienced leaders like Charles share their expertise enriches our students' learning and strengthens our ties to Quebec's business ecosystem. His appointment reflects our commitment, outlined in Bishop's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, to cultivate tomorrow's innovators and leaders through real-world engagement. By welcoming him into our academic community, we are creating more opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration that will benefit both our students and our society.' The Executive in Residence appointment is honorary and reflects the University's appreciation for the expertise and perspective Mr. Milliard brings to the School. His presence on campus will contribute to Bishop's ongoing efforts to strengthen what makes the University distinct, while fostering innovation and community connection. About Bishop's University Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop's University is a unique English-language, primarily undergraduate institution located in the historic and picturesque Eastern Townships region of Québec. Our 550-acre campus offers an immersive educational experience within a close-knit community. With a student population of approximately 2,600 full-time students, Bishop's fosters deep academic engagement through personalized course of study, small class sizes and meaningful interaction between students and professors. We offer over 100 programs across five faculties: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Business, and Education. For more than 180 years, Bishop's has cultivated leaders and changemakers through interdisciplinary learning, experiential opportunities, and extensive student support. Whether studying abroad, conducting research, participating in an athletic team, or learning by doing, Bishop's students are empowered to pursue academic excellence and personal growth in an inclusive and dynamic environment.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bishop's University Welcomes Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence Français
SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Bishop's University is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence at the Williams School of Business (WSB) for the Fall 2025 term. Developed following a recommendation from the Dean of the Williams School of Business, Dr. Margaret Shepherd, this appointment marks a new and innovative way for Bishop's to connect students and faculty with leaders from the business world, bridging scholarship and practice in meaningful ways. Mr. Milliard is a seasoned executive recognized for his ability to mobilize organizations and stakeholders in diverse fields, including health, economics, and public policy. Notably, he served as president of the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). As Executive in Residence, he will engage with students, faculty, and the wider community through guest lectures, mentorship, and participation in special events, providing contemporary leadership perspectives on strategy, innovation, and responsible growth. "I am immensely proud to be joining the team at Bishop's University's Williams School of Business," said Mr. Milliard. "Bishop's is a small gem of a university, truly one of a kind in Quebec and Canada. I am genuinely delighted to be able to contribute, in my own way, to its profile, and to have the opportunity to teach the next generation of business leaders. My career so far has brought me into contact with inspiring people in the fields of health, economics, and politics, and I am honoured to now be able to spend time with students in the region where I live. Together, we will discuss the importance of our entrepreneurial fabric as a driver of our collective prosperity, and our shared ambitions for the Quebec of tomorrow." Dr. Shepherd said, "Having experienced leaders like Charles share their expertise enriches our students' learning and strengthens our ties to Quebec's business ecosystem. His appointment reflects our commitment, outlined in Bishop's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, to cultivate tomorrow's innovators and leaders through real-world engagement. By welcoming him into our academic community, we are creating more opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration that will benefit both our students and our society." The Executive in Residence appointment is honorary and reflects the University's appreciation for the expertise and perspective Mr. Milliard brings to the School. His presence on campus will contribute to Bishop's ongoing efforts to strengthen what makes the University distinct, while fostering innovation and community connection. About Bishop's University Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop's University is a unique English-language, primarily undergraduate institution located in the historic and picturesque Eastern Townships region of Québec. Our 550-acre campus offers an immersive educational experience within a close-knit community. With a student population of approximately 2,600 full-time students, Bishop's fosters deep academic engagement through personalized course of study, small class sizes and meaningful interaction between students and professors. We offer over 100 programs across five faculties: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Business, and Education. For more than 180 years, Bishop's has cultivated leaders and changemakers through interdisciplinary learning, experiential opportunities, and extensive student support. Whether studying abroad, conducting research, participating in an athletic team, or learning by doing, Bishop's students are empowered to pursue academic excellence and personal growth in an inclusive and dynamic environment.
Montreal Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Quebec Liberals pick Pablo Rodriguez. Brace for a return to sovereignty battles in Quebec
It was far from the spectacular coronation some were expecting. On Saturday, Pablo Rodriguez became the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, securing just over 52 per cent support on the second ballot against runner-up Charles Milliard. That's quite a short margin — light years away compared to Mark Carney's stunning 86 per cent majority on the first ballot just a few months ago on the federal stage. After a leadership race that lasted nearly a whole year, Justin Trudeau's former lieutenant inherits a party that is deeply divided. Results show that close to one in two Liberal members (47.7 per cent) didn't make him either their first or second choice in this preferential voting system. As a matter of fact, the 'Anyone but Pablo' movement nearly cost him the victory at the finish line. So his first task, before he can begin persuading voters to trust him in the next election, will be to unite his own party — and his caucus at the National Assembly — around his leadership and vision for the QLP's future. Time will tell whether a staunch Montreal-based federalist like Rodriguez can bring nationalists and rural voters back into the Liberal fold. Milliard, the former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, was the surprise of the race, finishing second on the first ballot and beating high-profile contender Karl Blackburn. Many saw in him as a breath of fresh air — a younger political outsider akin to Paul St-Pierre Plamondon for the Parti Québécois. For some, the choice of a seasoned politician like Rodriguez is seen as a missed opportunity for the party's renewal and for reconnecting with younger generations of Quebecers. One thing is for sure: After an impressive campaign in which Liberal members and the broader public got to know him better, Milliard has proven his high potential and shown what he's capable of. As he confirmed again this weekend his intention to run in the next provincial election as a Liberal candidate, there's little doubt we'll soon see him again on the political stage. Rodriguez's arrival in provincial politics also signals a potential revival of the sovereignty debate. He referenced it in his victory speech, already wielding the spectre of a third referendum on Quebec independence to dissuade voters from supporting the PQ. After an eight-year hiatus during which Quebecers embraced the so-called 'third way' offered by the nationalist-but-not-separatist Coalition Avenir Québec, it seems like the next election will likely revolve around the question of sovereignty. Yes, again. And the PQ is certainly thrilled at the idea of going back to these 'glory days'. Following five decades in which provincial politics were dominated by the debate over whether Quebec should secede from Canada, many believed François Legault's rise to power in 2018 had opened a new chapter — and perhaps even put the sovereigntist movement to rest for good. I must admit that I was one of them. And that we were probably wrong about it. With the ultra-federalist Rodriguez now facing off against hardline sovereigntist St-Pierre Plamondon — who is openly committed to holding another referendum in his first term if he becomes the next premier — Quebec appears to be poised to return to the good old quarrels about the province's future within Canada. And in this world of wedge politics and picking sides, this divisive question may serve well both the Liberals and the PQ, eclipsing in the process other, more pressing issues such as the economy, the management public finances, health, and education, to name just a few. All that, despite polls suggesting that roughly two-thirds of Quebecers are simply not interested in reopening this never-ending debate. It's almost as if we're moving backwards.
Vancouver Sun
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Former Justin Trudeau cabinet minister Pablo Rodriquez wins Quebec Liberal leadership
The Quebec Liberals have chosen longtime federal politician Pablo Rodriguez to lead the provincial party on Saturday and to carry it into the October 2026 provincial election. The ex-federal Liberal cabinet minister won the party's leadership contest Saturday after two rounds of voting, beating out Charles Milliard, former head of the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce with just over 52 per cent of votes cast. The three other candidates vying for the top job — Karl Blackburn, former president of a Quebec employers group; Marc Belanger, an international trade lawyer; and Mario Roy, an economist and farmer — were eliminated after a first round after no one received 50 per cent. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rodriguez, 57, told party faithful at a leadership convention in the provincial capital it was time to come together as Liberals and write a new chapter for the party. He preached unity, inviting all members of caucus on stage with him. 'No matter who you supported, we're all together today, united,' he said. He said those fellow leadership candidates would be key to the future and notably singled out Milliard, 46, who was among the favourites. Milliard and Blackburn have already committed to running in the next election, while Belanger intends to run in western Quebec. 'Starting today, the work begins,' he told reporters following his victory. 'I'm going to talk with the other candidates, it's extremely important to meet with the different teams because we're all part of the same party, the same team, with the same goal of forming a government in 2026.' Born in Argentina, Rodriguez arrived in Quebec at eight years old. He grew up in Sherbrooke and served as a federal Liberal MP for the Montreal riding of Honore-Mercier. He notably served as Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister of Transport under Justin Trudeau. He brushed off the notion his opponents would try paint him as being an extension of the federal party. 'I'm my own man and I will be judged on my own decisions, my own team, my platform,' Rodriguez said. 'I don't control what they do, but what we're going to do is be ready.' Rodriguez, who does not have a seat in the national assembly, will have to rebuild the party in the next 16 months if it is to have a chance of forming government. The Liberals have been polling badly among francophone voters outside Montreal for years. I'm my own man and I will be judged on my own decisions, my own team, my platform Speaking to reporters after his victory, Rodriguez said he would be holding a caucus meeting in the coming days. He also said he wasn't in a hurry to gain entry to the provincial legislature and would continue touring the province as he has in the past nine months. 'What's important is to have a party — a strong one in every riding, in every region, with the necessary resources to win the next election,' Rodriguez said. The leadership campaign had to compete for the public's attention with a federal election and a trade war with the United States. Still, party president Rafael Primeau-Ferraro said he was pleased with the level of interest the leadership race has generated. 'If we go back two years ago, the party wasn't in the same position that we are today,' he said in an interview. 'We were able to attract quality candidates that are surrounded by very competent people in their teams. The membership of the party has doubled.' The Liberals lost more than half their seats when the right-leaning Coalition Avenir Quebec, led by Francois Legault, swept to power in 2018. In 2022, the party suffered its worst-ever defeat based on its share of the popular vote. It managed to hang onto Official Opposition status thanks to the concentration of Liberal voters in Montreal. Rodriguez replaces Dominique Anglade, who stepped down in the aftermath of that historic loss. But Legault's government has since declined in popularity, while the Parti Québécois has been leading in the polls for months. The Liberals are hoping to offer a credible alternative to the sovereigntist party, which has promised to hold a referendum on independence by 2030. Rodriguez ensured those themes were present in his speech to party members, presenting himself as an experienced candidate capable of defeating Legault and PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon in 2026. 'Quebec needs you because we must get rid of this bad government and because we must avoid the threat of another referendum,' Rodriguez told members. A recent Leger poll found that with Rodriguez as leader, the Liberals would win 31 per cent of the vote in a provincial election, one point ahead of the Parti Québécois. — By Sidhartha Banerjee in Montreal with files from Maura Forrest in Montreal and Thomas Laberge in Quebec City. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Montreal Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Pablo Rodriguez targeted as Quebec Liberal leadership debate gets heated
Quebec Politics By QUEBEC — After three relatively tame debates, the candidates vying for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party upped their game on Thursday and candidate Pablo Rodriguez was the target of most of their hits. Even though Rodriguez is selling himself as the only candidate with enough experience to beat Premier François Legault, candidates Charles Milliard and Karl Blackburn honed in on him as not being nationalist enough to woo back francophone voters. Everyone shook hands at the end, but it was Rodriguez's past as a federal Liberal cabinet minister that came back to haunt him. 'Pablo, you more often defended Ottawa's policies in Quebec than Quebec's policies in Ottawa,' Blackburn fired across the stage at Rodriguez in the fourth leadership debate held in a theatre at Université Laval before 400 Liberals. 'That is to not know me,' Rodriguez responded. 'I have always stood up for Quebec. I will always stand up. I don't need any lectures.' Officially, the theme of the debate was government services, with all five candidates saying the Coalition Avenir Québec government has broken a social contract with Quebecers by providing such poor services in health and education despite high taxes. Using the theme, Milliard tossed questions at Rodriguez about his vision. 'According to you, what is the role of the federal government in health and education?' Milliard, the former president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, asked Rodriguez. 'To support the work of the provinces,' Rodriguez responded before Milliard jumped in to correct him. 'The right answer is none,' Milliard said. Beauce farmer and economist Mario Roy also waded in, accusing Rodriguez of being part of a 'Trudeau-Rodriguez' government that destroyed the Quebec economy and closed off markets. Later, meeting reporters, both Blackburn, a former Liberal MNA from Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean who says he is the candidate to woo nationalist voters back, and Milliard said they wanted Liberal voters to have a better idea of who Rodriguez is before they vote for a new leader to replace Dominique Anglade. Milliard said he thinks the Liberals have to return to the 'essence of Canada,' which in his mind are sovereign provinces with their own jurisdictional powers, with Ottawa offering common services in the country. 'In the last 10 years, the government Mr. Rodriguez was part of has wavered on this,' Milliard said. 'I like Ottawa, but Ottawa has nothing to do with health and education. Period. 'If I am asking questions, it is because I am worried.' Blackburn was blunter, saying Rodriguez seems to 'talk a lot about the federal government' and the government he was part of. 'It's as if he misses the Liberal Party of Canada,' Blackburn said. 'I have only ever had one political family, it is the Liberal Party of Quebec.' Rodriguez brushed off the criticism, saying he has what it takes to negotiate with Ottawa because he knows how the place works and still has contacts there, which can be an advantage for a Quebec premier. 'I know most of the members of the (Carney) cabinet and they know me, too,' Rodriguez said. He added: 'It is the priority of a premier of Quebec to defend its jurisdictions, to go defend loud and clear what we are as a nation; this is what I did as the Quebec lieutenant (of former prime minister Justin Trudeau). He said he delivered the goods for Quebec on housing, internet connections and health care financing. 'A politician who goes to Ottawa goes as a Quebecer above all and he fights for Quebec,' Rodriguez said. The crowd seemed to relish in the more heated debate, a message picked up by candidate Marc Bélanger, an international trade lawyer who, by the luck of the draw, found himself at the middle podium on the stage. 'It took us four debates to thaw out,' Bélanger quipped at one point. 'I look forward to the next one.' The next debate, the second-last one that is being organized by the Liberal Party youth wing, is Sunday in Trois-Rivières. Liberals will start voting for their new leader on June 9, a process that leads up to the June 14 convention where the new leader is elected. The next election in Quebec is in October 2026.
