According to proactive disclosure reports from public companies that comply, in 2022 less than 8% women are directors of TSX-listed companies and only 5% hold the CEO position Canada Business Corporations Act and data compiled by Osler. How do you see these results?

When we look at the percentages, we tell ourselves that we are far from par, but these positions are difficult for everyone to achieve. However, we are seeing more and more women in positions of power. Think of Sophie Brochu, Kim Thomassin and Geneviève Morin. It takes these avant-garde, energetic, courageous women to make us understand that we can reach these heights. I think the trend is up and we are going in the right direction because of the government’s efforts and actions.

Bill 4 provides for a parity zone on the governing boards of the state bodies subject to the law. Do we need such laws to get things done?

If you had asked me the question five years ago, I would have said no. But because I see that sometimes you need commitment to bring about positive change, my mind changes. I was concerned because you always want it to be the best person on the job. The reality is that society is 50% male and 50% female. We have it, parity, in society.

Diversity brings better understanding, better choices, and more positivity. I believe that we need to enforce diversity so that people understand all the benefits it can bring to businesses and organizations. That’s the way to force society to change, and I think after that it won’t be a question of commitment. My wish would be that it becomes a matter of course and sometimes you need legislation to get there.

What are you doing as mayor to advance the issue of justice, diversity and inclusion? Besides being yourself!

Leading by example is important. When I was elected councilor in 2009, I was one of only two women, the second youngest and from an ethnic community. We weren’t in the majority and I felt like I was filling every quota.

Then, for the first time, we have a woman at the head of a department that is considered heavily male, at the engineering and public works level. We show that this is possible by promoting women leaders in our organization.

Have you had the feeling in your career that your background was a brake?

When I was elected councilor in 2009, I don’t know if my skills were really taken into account or everything I represented. But I took the opportunity to prove myself.

At times, I found my background to be a hindrance, not because it barred my doors, but because I had to do three times as much work to prove there was no agenda.

I had to prove to people that in my heart, in all my values, in everything I am, I’m from Quebec. I was born here and I am the perfect example of someone who wanted to fully integrate into society. That’s what my parents wanted for me and they put themselves through many challenges so that I could be in the eyes of all Quebecois. The name doesn’t say it, but I embody these values ​​in everything I do and in everything I am.