Another departure from the vice-presidency of Santé Québec

Following the departure of its number 2 last March, Santé Québec has lost another member of management who worked directly with the President and CEO, Geneviève Biron.

The announcement that the Vice-President of Public Affairs and Communications was leaving her position was made this morning to internal teams. Julie Boucher was appointed to this position less than a year ago, even before the network's employees were integrated into the new Crown corporation.

Photo QMI Agency, Laurent Corbeil

"This departure is part of an evolution in the nature of the mandate and expectations of the public affairs and communications team over the past few months," said Santé Québec.

It was in this context that it was agreed to terminate Ms. Boucher's contract. A decision that was ratified by the board of directors. One of its directors, Yann Langlais-Plante, will assume the position on an interim basis.

Coming from a media background, Julie Boucher worked for 16 years at Hydro-Québec before joining VIA TGF for a few months. At Santé Québec, she was responsible for media relations, government relations, and brand strategy. Officially launched last December, Santé Québec has experienced some setbacks in recent months.

In March, Geneviève Biron announced a 20% cut in management positions within the new structure. Frédéric Abergel, Vice President of Operations and Transformation, was subsequently dismissed. Abergel was previously the head of the CHUM. He was considered a public-sector boss, compared to Geneviève Biron, who comes from the private sector.

Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC

Earlier this week, the Journal revealed that 106 health professionals had obtained management positions by being integrated into Santé Québec in recent months.

More details to come.