The Organization Begins a Strategic Transition with Changes to Its Leadership and Board of Directors

Montreal, June 10, 2025 — After more than three decades promoting responsible alcohol consumption in Quebec, Éduc’alcool is turning a new page. The organization is entering a new phase marked by a transition in executive management and the appointment of new members to its board of directors. This shift paves the way for renewed approaches to public awareness, driven by a committed new leadership ready to carry forward the organization’s vital mission.

A Leadership Change Following a Major Organizational Transformation

After overseeing a significant organizational transformation, Ms. Geneviève Desautels, Executive Director of Éduc’alcool, will officially step down from her role on July 4, 2025.

From the moment she took on her role in January 2022, Ms. Desautels mobilized her team to drive deep organizational change. With the support of its board of directors, including the Chair of the Board, Mr. Sylvain Dupuis, she worked to:

• Redefine awareness strategies to better reflect emerging behaviours;
• Implement more transparent, independent, and inclusive governance;
• Launch initiatives to diversify the organization’s funding sources.

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished with a dedicated and passionate team,” said Ms. Desautels. “I leave confident that the foundation is strong to continue advancing the organization and tackling today’s challenges around alcohol consumption.”

A Smooth Transition to Support a Mission That Remains Relevant

To ensure continuity, Mr. Dupuis will serve as Interim Executive Director while maintaining his role as Board Chair. The recruitment process to identify the organization’s next Executive Director is already underway.

Éduc’alcool extends its sincere thanks to Ms. Desautels for her insightful leadership and critical contribution during a pivotal time in the organization’s history. The organization also acknowledges the important role of its outgoing board members, who helped guide this transformation with commitment.

A Renewed Board and an Approach Aligned with Today’s Realities

As part of its governance renewal, Éduc’alcool is pleased to welcome six new members to its board of directors. They will join forces with Mr. Dupuis and the current team to help bring Éduc’alcool’s 2025–2026 vision to life. Among the organization’s key priorities is deepening its engagement with more targeted groups: staff and patrons of bars and restaurants, businesspeople and entrepreneurs, and young adults aged 17 to 24. Éduc’alcool also plans to strengthen its on-the-ground presence through close collaboration with stakeholders committed to responsible alcohol use. The goal is to drive concrete actions, mobilize partners, and foster meaningful cultural change around alcohol consumption.

The organization expresses its gratitude to the outgoing board members who, over the past year, contributed to major governance renewal efforts at Éduc’alcool.

“This transition is the natural next step in a collective process that began several months ago,” said Mr. Dupuis. “We are clearly focused on the future, with a strong desire to carry out our mission in step with Quebec’s social, cultural, and economic realities.”

With these changes, Éduc’alcool is laying the groundwork for a new approach to awareness and education—one that promotes responsible drinking and informed decision-making in a constantly evolving social context.

About Éduc’alcool

For 35 years, Éduc’alcool has been dedicated to informing and educating Quebecers about the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. As an independent, non-profit organization, Éduc’alcool develops and delivers educational, prevention, and awareness programs aimed at reducing alcohol-related risks and promoting informed choices, as well as a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

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For information:Gustavo Serra
Consultant, MERCURE
438 929-0233
[email protected]