SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Rémi Quirion

Honourable senators, today, as part of the Science Meets Parliament program, we are tremendously honoured to highlight the work of Rémi Quirion, an exceptional man who has made his mark on scientific research and policy in Quebec, in Canada and internationally. Dr. Quirion will be retiring in 2026.

He is Quebec’s first chief scientist. This key position was created as a result of an extraordinary initiative led by our colleague, Senator Clément Gignac, when he was Quebec’s minister of economic development, innovation and export. It was created as part of a new vision for science in Quebec.

Our world is undergoing profound upheaval. Political leaders in other countries are going after researchers and undermining scientists’ findings. It is therefore reassuring to see that there is still a broad consensus in Canada around keeping research independent from political power and recognizing the importance of having a chief scientist.

As Quebec’s chief scientist, Rémi Quirion has been responsible for science management for 14 years. He has advocated for projects to support the next generation of scientists, rallied researchers around major issues and made many connections between research and society. His work has been so impactful that he received the Institut d’administration publique du Québec’s lifetime achievement award in 2024.

He gained his expertise over the course of a stellar academic and professional career, initially in education as a professor at McGill University and as senior director at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. He went on to became the first director of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction and now leads the International Collaborative Research Strategy for Alzheimer Disease. He is also president of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice. He promotes Canadian expertise internationally.

His career is a testament to his humility, resilience and commitment. Rémi Quirion reminds us that science must serve society first and that its real impact starts at the local level, where the people live. It must be underpinned by integrity, collaboration and international openness to strengthen the collective good and support government decision making.

The same thinking drives our duty to pursue this essential dialogue.

Rémi Quirion, on behalf of the Senate, I want to thank you for your clear and unmistakably forward-looking vision.

Thank you, honourable colleagues. Meegwetch.