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Pierre Karl Péladeau

Pierre Karl Péladeau is a Canadian businessman and former politician from Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pierre Karl Péladeau is a Canadian businessman and former politician from Quebec. He served as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Saint-Jérôme and was leader of the Parti Québécois from 2015 to 2016. He is also known for his long career at Québecor, where he served as president and chief executive officer.

Early life and education

Péladeau was born in Montreal in 1961. He earned degrees in philosophy from the Université du Québec à Montréal and in law from the Université de Montréal, and was admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1988.

Business career

He joined Québecor in 1985 and later led the company as president and chief executive officer from 1999 to 2013. He also held senior roles at Sun Media and Groupe TVA.

Political career

Péladeau entered provincial politics in 2014 and was elected in Saint-Jérôme. In 2015 he became leader of the Parti Québécois and the Official Opposition, before resigning in 2016.

Honours and recognition

His career has been recognised with honours such as Chevalier of the Ordre de la Pléiade and Officer of the Ordre national du Québec. He has also been recognised for work connected to culture and philanthropy.

Key facts

  • Pierre Karl Péladeau is a Canadian businessman and former politician from Quebec.
  • He served as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Saint-Jérôme.
  • He was leader of the Parti Québécois from 2015 to 2016.
  • He was president and CEO of Québecor from 1999 to 2013.
  • He has received honours including the Ordre de la Pléiade and the Ordre national du Québec.
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Canadian context

Péladeau is a significant figure in Quebec business and provincial politics, making him relevant to Canadian readers interested in media ownership, Quebec nationalism, and the Parti Québécois.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Pierre Karl Péladeau?
He is a Canadian businessman and former Quebec politician who led the Parti Québécois from 2015 to 2016.
What political office did he hold?
He was the member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Saint-Jérôme and served as leader of the Official Opposition.
What company is he associated with?
He is closely associated with Québecor, where he served as president and chief executive officer.
When was he born?
He was born in Montreal in 1961.
When did he lead the Parti Québécois?
He became leader on 15 May 2015 and resigned on 2 May 2016.

References

  1. Assemblée nationale du Québec — https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/deputes/peladeau-pierre-karl-15419/biographie.html
    Supports: Birthplace, education, Québecor leadership, election in Saint-Jérôme, PQ leadership, resignation dates.
  2. Ordre national du Québec — https://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=2963
    Supports: Biography, Québecor career, political career, cultural and philanthropic recognition.
  3. Groupe TVA — https://www.groupetva.ca/legroupe/dirigeants
    Supports: Election as MNA in 2014, leadership of the Parti Québécois, and timing of those roles.
  4. Videotron — https://corpo.videotron.com/en/company/executive-team/pierre-karl-peladeau
    Supports: Business career at Québecor, entry into politics, and honours received.