New Gaspé–Lower St. Lawrence Area Director

The Fisheries and Oceans Canada team is pleased to welcome Érick St-Laurent as Gaspé–Lower St. Lawrence Area director. Originally from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and a graduate of Université Laval with a degree in political science, Mr. St-Laurent assumed his duties on September 5, 2017.

Mr. St-Laurent started his career almost 20 years ago at Service Canada as a project officer, then joined Economic Development Canada (EDC) as a corporate advisor. He later became a senior advisor and was ultimately appointed regional director of the Gaspé office in 2014.

While at Economic Development Canada, Mr. St-Laurent accumulated specialized know-how in regional development and acquired extensive knowledge of regional issues, especially as regards the fisheries. He became actively involved in the development and achievement of initiatives for fishers, associations, and the industry; this made him a well-known player in that sector and with businesses and the various levels of government. For example, after the groundfish fishery closed in the mid-1990s, he worked closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and industry stakeholders on the delivery of a program (the Special Fund for Coastal Quebec, or SFCQ) for the lobster industry through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) and the employee assistance program. Also, as export manager at the Gaspésie and Magdalen Islands Marketing Secretariat, he became actively involved in the marketing and sale of regional products such as organic maple products on global markets.

The new director of the Gaspé–Lower St. Lawrence Area will bring a vast knowledge of local partners and region-specific issues. He will be a valuable asset to the Quebec Region and to the Department. 

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight France Simard's contributions and support; she was area director from January 2015 to July 2017.

Mr. St-Laurent will be supported by the current Department team, both in the Gaspé–Lower St. Lawrence area and throughout Quebec, to help him fulfill his mandate and support development in the fishing industry. We warmly welcome him to the team.

Patrick Vincent
Regional Director General