The Chambre de commerce de Gatineau experienced a leadership shakeup on September 21, 2026, when both its president and vice-president stepped down due to professional reasons, according to reports by TVA Gatineau and Le Droit.
President Jean-François LeBlanc Resigns Over Groupe Momentum Partnership
Jean-François LeBlanc stepped down from his role as president and board member after serving less than four months in the top position. According to Le Droit, LeBlanc was originally elected president on June 4, 2026, after previously holding the position of vice-president. His resignation was triggered by a newly formalized partnership with Groupe Momentum.
LeBlanc explained his departure in a public LinkedIn statement cited by Le Droit, noting that his new role involves representation duties with public authorities. He stated that remaining with the chamber would have created a clear conflict where he met the same elected officials, civil servants, and business leaders alternately as chamber president and as a client representative. Rather than manage that ambiguity, LeBlanc chose to vacate his seat, though the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau confirmed he will transition into a governor role.
Vice-President Marc-Antoine Laramée Departs to Focus on Quartier AI
Simultaneously, vice-president Marc-Antoine Laramée resigned from his executive post on the board to dedicate his full attention to his artificial intelligence firm, Quartier AI, according to TVA Gatineau and Le Droit. Laramée stated on social media that the company has experienced significant growth over recent months, requiring his undivided focus. Despite leaving his board duties, Laramée will maintain his regional commitments, including his work with the Ville de Gatineau economic development commission, as noted by the chamber.
Interim Leadership and Next Steps for the Board
Following the double departure, entrepreneur and first vice-president Julien Chaput-Lemay has stepped in as interim president of the board of directors, according to TVA Gatineau and Le Droit. The Chambre de commerce de Gatineau announced via a press release that its board will convene soon to outline the process for filling the newly vacated positions in accordance with organizational bylaws.
Related reading