Laurent LESSARD

Biographical note
Laurent Lessard holds a law degree and a degree in notarial law from the Université de Sherbrooke. He worked as a notary in private practice for 10 years, then served as mayor of Thetford Mines until he entered provincial politics. He was elected for the first time in the April 14, 2003 general election as MNA for Frontenac riding. He served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Sports and Recreation from 2003 to 2005, then as Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region. He was subsequently appointed Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region and the Centre-du-Québec region. In September 2012, he became the first MNA of the new Lotbinière-Frontenac riding. He was appointed chief official opposition whip at that time and served as opposition critic for economic development, sustainable development and the environment. He was re-elected for the fifth time in the April 7, 2014 general election. He was appointed Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region. On August 20, 2016, he was appointed Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region. Since January 26, 2017, he is also Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.