Pauline Marois

Commander
2025
Place des Montréalaises

In 2012, Pauline Marois became the first woman in Québec history to hold the office of Premier. First elected as a Parti québécois MNA in 1981, she headed no fewer than nine ministries during her prolific career.

Under her influence, initiatives were created to give families and women greater flexibility: the Québec Parental Insurance Plan, a network of childcare centres and low-cost educational daycare services. Full-day kindergarten was also introduced, along with changes to the welfare system. One of the major legacies of her unwavering commitment to the common good, equity and Québec identity, is the secularization of the public education system. In 2024, Pauline Marois was named Chancellor of the Université du Québec à Montréal. As the first woman to hold this position, she continues to leave her mark on Québec's political and social history and inspire generations to come.

The picture and biographical information appearing on this page were current at the time this person was admitted to the Ordre de Montréal.