Jacques Gérin

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jacques Gérin, on March 11, 2026, at the age of 88. A loving father and proud grandfather, he leaves in mourning his beloved wife, Odile (née Pelletier), who stood by his side for 63 years; his children, Michel (Julie), Marc, and Anne-Marie (Michael); his grandchildren, Laurent (Elisabeta), Mark (Gillian), and Tristan (Marie-Hélène); as well as other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie (the late Laurier). During his studies and from the beginning of his career, Jacques distinguished himself through his passionate commitment to student and political causes. Notably, he served as president of the Canadian Federation of Students and worked for two years in the Netherlands at the Secretariat of the International Student Conference. He also co-chaired the National Policy Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada. These roles laid the foundation for an exceptional career marked by a constant desire to serve the common good. A civil engineer by training (Polytechnique, Montréal) and holder of a master's degree in regional development (University of North Carolina), Jacques dedicated his career to the sustainable management of natural resources, economic development, and environmental protection, both in Canada and internationally. Within the Government of Canada, notably as Deputy Minister of Environment and as Vice-President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Jacques played a key role in the development of environmental and international aid policies. He helped shape major institutions and promote an integrated vision of development, emphasizing collaboration among peoples, governments, and regions. As head of Hatch-Québec, Jacques successfully combined industrial innovation with environmental responsibility. His leadership in the private sector was recognized for his ability to mobilize technical expertise in the service of sustainable solutions while fostering a culture of excellence and integrity. A visionary and a unifying figure, Jacques was actively involved in major environmental governance and advisory bodies. He chaired renowned expert groups such as the Panel on the Ecological Integrity of Canada's National Parks. He also chaired the board of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and served as a governor of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), helping to elevate Canadian expertise on the global stage. Family and friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road, (at Aviation Parkway), Ottawa, Ontario, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The Liturgy of the Word will take place in the Chapel at 3 p.m., followed by a reception. The family wishes to thank the staff at Maplewood Retirement Community and the caregivers from MLC Healthcare for their exceptional care and support. Jacques chose to donate his body to science (University of Ottawa). As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated by the family. For those who wish to view the Livestream of the service, please visit the funeral home website.