Denis Lebel is poised to become the next president and CEO of Quebec’s forest industry association, Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec (CIFQ), starting in September. He succeeds André Tremblay, who has led the association since 2011.
Lebel is a former federal Member of Parliament for the riding of Lac-Sant-Jean. “I wanted to continue to serve the community and defend the interests of my region and of Quebec as a whole. With this intent, I am joining CIFQ,” Lebel said when his appointment was announced in June. “I intend to continue my commitment by ensuring the promotion and defense of an industry that is of fundamental importance to our economy, our communities and our workers.”
During his career in the House of Commons, Lebel served as Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec; Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; as well as serving as a political lieutenant in Quebec. Most recently, in November 2015, he became Deputy Chief of the Official Opposition.