Bienvenue / Welcome

Hockey, My First Passion!
I arrived in Verdun on July 1, 1984. My father, a big hockey fan, had the brilliant idea of signing me up for hockey that same September. I instantly fell in love with the sport!

I played from 1984 to 1998.

In 1998, the Verdun Minor Hockey Association (A.M.H. Verdun) held a contest to find a name for its new mascot. The name Palouf came to my mind — and it's still the official mascot today!

Since October 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to referee over 250 games for the association. Alongside my son Émile, we became the first father–son duo to referee a game together in Verdun.

I also played a few seasons of minor baseball in Verdun — and since this summer, I’ve started umpiring baseball games as well.

Ah, the classic school photos!
I still remember the little alleyway I walked through sometime in August 1984. That day, I wasn’t very brave. On that beautiful late-summer day, my mother let me walk alone to my first day of Grade 1. I cried.

But those first steps — as difficult as they were — led me to meet friends I still see today, and educators who left a lasting mark on my childhood, as they did for hundreds of other kids from Verdun.

Today, I think of my Grade 5 teacher, Alain Lacharité; my Grade 6 teacher, Monique Brunet; and the unforgettable phys ed teacher, Gilles Cadieux, whose kindness was unmatched… even when he made us do that dreaded 500-metre test!

I had two principals during my time at that school: Mr. Gilles Castonguay and Mr. André Houle.

I also remember hosting the school’s Honour and Merit evening in Grade 6, as well as the 100th and 101st editions of the popular Radio-Canada show Au Jeu, right in the school gym! What memories!

First Steps into Young Adulthood
The transition to high school is a pivotal stage in life. For me, it was even more significant, as I later chose to work there for seven years, from 1998 to 2005.

I attended Mgr-Richard High School (ESMR) from 1993 to 1995. It wasn’t just any school—it was vibrant, exciting, and full of life! Driven by Laurent Dugas, who became principal in 1996, this school, rich in projects and initiatives, has been a cornerstone of the Verdun community since 1976. Alumni from that era still fondly speak of the legendary PMR!

Every event at the school helped build its story and reputation. As a student, I had the chance to take part in the famous "Classe-Neige" at the P’tit Bonheur lodge, the spectacular year-end fashion show, and in December 1994, I was even named Mr. Elegance of the school!

Several teachers left a lasting impression on me—André Morse, Luc Guèvremont, Denis Bellemare, Francine Taddeo, among others—inspiring me through their teaching and their commitment to student life. Their passion sparked in me a desire to get involved in a school community that energized me from day one.

In 1996 and 1997, I returned as an alumnus to volunteer at school events, secretly dreaming of working there one day as a leisure technician. In 1998, life had other plans in store! Even though I hadn’t yet earned the formal diploma, a position opened up—and the school principal, Laurent Dugas (who became my mentor), gave me the opportunity to take on the challenge, offering his full support.

I seized that unique opportunity, which allowed me to learn the ins and outs of event planning and connect with the richness of the Verdun community. In June 2001, I had the immense honor of receiving the school’s highest distinction: the 60th Grand Prix Honneur et Mérite, during the 25th graduation ceremony. This award, given by the school administration, is presented to a student, parent, volunteer, teacher, or staff member in recognition of an exceptional contribution to the school community.

JF, you sing? I had no idea you could sing!
How does someone become a singer when no one in their family is even remotely musical? They say the best discoveries often come by chance… or by accident. Well, there’s your answer!

In the early 2000s, I was working as a leisure technician at Mgr-Richard High School (ESMR). At the time, there was a tradition during the Christmas celebration: students would sing the classic O Holy Night (Minuit chrétien). Every year, that task was entrusted to the great Edner Bruno, a French teacher in Grade 11. But around 2001, Edner retired—and someone had to take his place.

Although I was already comfortable speaking in front of an audience as an emcee, I had no idea I had any musical talent. A few days before the show, the school’s principal, Laurent Dugas, called me into his office. He said:

— “It’s easy. We’ll play a backing track, you’ll sing along with it, and get the students to join in.”
— “Uh… okay,” I replied.

As usual, I didn’t shy away from the challenge. When the big day came, I went through with it… and it went surprisingly well! My friends—who had a band and often worked on musical numbers with students—were genuinely impressed:

— “Where did that voice come from, JF?”

Caught off guard by their reaction, I didn’t really know what to say. They invited me to be the singer for their band. Soon after, we formed a tribute group to my favorite band: U2. And that’s how the adventure began!

To improve my skills, I enrolled in a two-year program in pop singing at Prochant School in Montreal. Voice, interpretation, theatre, musical comedy, stage direction, production—I did it all! I studied popular vocal technique for tenors with Jacques Lebel, lead singer of the Boogie Wonder Band.

Then the projects started to roll in: my first solo concert, live performances with students at school (yes, I was still working as a leisure technician at ESMR at the time). Using my sales skills, I pitched the idea to the City of Verdun that we open the 2004 Saint-Jean-Baptiste concert… and they said yes! We opened for Daniel Bélanger.

That same year, in November, Grégory Charles performed at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church. I made a similar pitch to the organizers… and once again, it worked!

At Prochant, a musical was staged every two years. That year, it was Chicago. I auditioned for the lead role—and landed it: Billy Flynn. I also competed in various singing contests where I won awards: Les Découvertes de la chanson de Magog, Chante en français (Fondation DO-MI-SOL), and the Festival en chanson de Saint-Ambroise.

I later took on lead roles in two other musicals: Christian in Moulin Rouge, and Bartok in Noémia, a Québécois original staged for the first time at CÉGEP André-Laurendeau in 2008.

Eventually, life took a different turn. The desire to start a family became stronger than the dream of a singing “career.” So, I put it all on pause… until 2023, when I returned to the stage with an annual concert at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church.

And to bring things full circle: at the 2024 midnight mass, I was invited to sing Minuit chrétien once again.

And that’s how, by a happy accident, I became a singer—something I never imagined would be part of my life. It just goes to show: sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is what it takes to uncover and develop your true potential.

Le Messager de Verdun — A Natural Place for Me to Belong!
At the same time I was studying pop singing, I had the opportunity to work with a consultant for Cirque du Soleil on projects related to planning international arena tours. When that contract ended, I decided to pursue training in professional cooking, which I completed in June 2010. I did it more out of curiosity and passion for culinary craftsmanship than with the intention of working full-time in that field.

After completing my DEP, I needed to find a job to stabilize my situation—especially with the idea of starting a family in mind. A connection at TC Media (Transcontinental Media) told me about job openings at the company, mostly in advertising sales for local newspapers. I had doubts about my abilities as a salesperson, and I didn’t know much about the industry. I accepted an initial position as a sales coordinator for newspapers in the West Island of Montreal (Cités Nouvelles and The Chronicle).

But soon enough, my heart—and my roots—pulled me back to Le Messager de Verdun, naturally! After only one week on the job, my colleagues were already predicting I wouldn’t stay in the office long and would soon be assigned to the field. And sure enough, eight months later, I was approached to become the official sales representative for La Voix Pop, the neighboring paper to Le Messager de Verdun. I dove into the adventure headfirst.

My managers quickly recognized my deep connections to the Verdun community and didn’t hesitate to transfer some Verdun clients to me, in addition to the ones I already served in the Southwest. I found quick success in sales—so much so that I won a car during a national sales competition involving representatives from across Quebec and Ontario. The following year, I was named Rookie of the Year, and the newspaper I worked for received the title of Weekly Newspaper of the Year at TC Media’s Folio Gala.

In 2012, Le Messager de Verdun celebrated its 100th anniversary. I volunteered to help with the summer exhibition at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church by creating, using Photoshop, 40 archival panels that were displayed throughout the summer—and later featured at the Verdun Luv expo.

In 2015, I was offered the role of Sales Director for all of Southwest Montreal. It was a wonderful opportunity to grow my network, get involved with many local organizations, and learn about the issues shaping the community.

In 2017, in collaboration with Réseau Affaires Verdun and its president, Alain Laroche, we produced a historical publication entirely developed, coordinated, and printed by TC Media: Verdun 1992–2017: 25 Years of Development. I even had the privilege of hosting the official launch event at Verdun City Hall.

Looking back now, I see how my time at TC Media was a natural continuation of my long-standing commitment to the Verdun community. That experience allowed me to form new relationships with local leaders, strengthen existing ones, and expand my network across the greater Southwest Montreal area.      

There is more joy in giving than in receiving.
From a very young age, the value of volunteerism was instilled in us by our parents. In elementary school, even though we didn’t always enjoy waking up earlier than usual, we volunteered in the mornings to prepare the milk cartons for all the classrooms.

Later on, through my job as a leisure technician at ESMR, I participated as a technician and organizer in several fundraising events held at the school. I also gave my time to the Jean-Jacques Mercier Foundation, the Verdun Triathlon, and volunteered during municipal election campaigns in Verdun.

When I joined TC Media, I was encouraged to get involved with the Richelieu Club, a movement whose mission is to help underprivileged children and promote the French language. I loved the experience. The cause is noble, and the events are as meaningful as they are enjoyable.

From 2017 to 2020, I was elected president of the Richelieu Club of Verdun. During my term—and especially thanks to the incredible dedication of our members—the Club stood out on the international stage, winning the “Most Outstanding Club of the Year” award in 2019 at the 75th Richelieu International Congress in Ottawa. To this day, the Richelieu Club of Verdun has given back nearly $2 million to support Verdun’s youth, through its foundation created in 1976.

Other volunteer experiences have also shaped my journey. I remain actively involved with the Verdun Lions Club and Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church. I have also served on various boards of directors, including Réseau Affaires Verdun, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southwest Montreal, the Champlain and Manoir de Verdun Foundation, and the Cégep André-Laurendeau Foundation.

In 2017, I had the honor of serving as honorary co-chair of a benefit luncheon for the Douglas Mental Health Institute Foundation, where we raised $5,000. That same year, I was also honorary co-chair of the Grand Ball for the Verdun Hospital Foundation, which raised $77,400.

All of these experiences have taught me that giving back and sharing is not only enriching for others—it is also a deeply rewarding gift to oneself.

Verdun, a City of Opportunities!
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to take part in many events where I met people from all walks of life who influenced my journey. These individuals inspired me to push myself further, and their words of encouragement along the way were invaluable in helping me persevere—even during the toughest moments.

The path I’ve walked, though not without its storms, has shaped the person I’ve become today.

In January 2025, Réseau Affaires Verdun, in collaboration with the local newspaper Explore Verdun–IDS, named me Business Personality of the Month. It was a meaningful recognition of the journey I’ve taken so far, and a beautiful way to start the new year—with new challenges on the horizon.

Celebrating the work of committed community members in Verdun is an inspiring initiative that has endured for many years. That’s why people choose Verdun: it’s a dynamic, vibrant, and grateful community—one that welcomes and values those who want to get involved and contribute together.

All Roads Lead to... Politics!
After more than 40 years of active involvement in the Verdun community, the time has come for me to fully invest in the place where I’ve had the chance to grow, thrive, and serve the citizens of our shared living environment.

I’m someone who loves bringing people together around an idea, a dream, a project. I also love making those dreams a reality! Shaping the future is an exciting challenge—and doing so by including as many people as possible and working for the well-being of the greater whole is a challenge I’m eager to take on.

Working together for the benefit of the entire population is a vision I wholeheartedly embrace.

That’s why it feels completely natural for me to be part of the Ensemble Montréal team, led by Soraya Martinez, and to run for city councillor in the very district where I grew up—Desmarchais–Crawford in Verdun.

With the impressive professional background of Geneviève Desautels, who will be running for mayor of Verdun in the upcoming November 2 election, we are well positioned to form a grounded, efficient team, guided by clear priorities that serve all citizens.