François Casgrain, Lobbyists Commissioner
Maître François Casgrain was appointed by the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Yvon Vallières, to act as Acting Québec Lobbyists Commissioner, effective this July 6.
Maître Casgrain has a law degree from Université Laval in Québec City and has been a member of the Québec Bar since 1979. For the past thirty years, he has worked in the field of government legal affairs. Until his appointment, he was Assistant to the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec and to the Chairman of the Commission de la représentation électorale.
As Legislative Advisor to the Secrétariat à la législation of the Ministère du Conseil exécutif from 2001 to 2007, Maître Casgrain acquired a detailed knowledge of the legislative process and the functioning of the government administration.
Maître Casgrain also developed vast experience in the municipal field, serving in particular as Chairman of the Commission municipale du Québec from 1998 to 2001. Previously, from 1987 to 1990, he worked at the Ministère des Affaires municipales as legal counsel to the Office of the Minister and the Office of the Deputy Ministers, and to the directors and department heads, in the interpretation of the various laws, regulations and legal documents concerning the Department’s activities.
Maître Casgrain also developed expertise in the electoral field, acting as Chief Electoral Officer of Québec and as Chairman of the Commission de la représentation électorale from 1997 to 1998, among other capacities. Previously, from 1992 to 1997, he held the positions of Director of Legal Affairs and Assistant to the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec and, from 1978 to 1987, served as legal counsel in this institution. At that time he represented the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec at different international seminars held on electoral consultations and democracy in general. He also acted as Head of Mission for the preparatory mission of Programme de formation des formateurs électoraux (FORMEL).
Finally, as other professional experience, Maître Casgrain held the position of Litigator with the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec from 1990 to 1992.
