Cercle canadien : Panel on cooperatives

The cooperative model holds a central place in the economic landscape of Quebec and Canada. With billions in revenue, thousands of jobs, and strong reinvestment in communities, cooperatives make a significant contribution to the country’s GDP and to our collective prosperity. Present at every stage of the value chain, they play a structuring role in the vitality of our regions and the resilience of our economy.
As we seek development models that are more sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted, the cooperative model stands out as a strategic solution. This panel will bring together the CEOs of Desjardins Group, Agropur, and Sollio Cooperative Group for an in-depth discussion on the economic impact of the cooperative movement and its role in shaping the prosperity of today and tomorrow.

Please note that the presentation will be in French.

Is your organization a member of the Canadian Club of Montreal?
Contact the person responsible for corporate reservations within your organization to complete your registration.

Event sponsor

Biography

Émile Cordeau

Since joining Agropur in 2013, Mr. Émile Cordeau has occupied a series of positions, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, in which capacity he played a key role in the Cooperative’s development. He previously occupied the position of Vice President for the Foodservice and Proximity Retail group and was formerly in charge of the Fine Cheese Business Unit. 

Before joining Agropur, Émile Cordeau worked at Dollarama where he actively participated in its evolution from a privately held family-owned company to a major public company. Émile Cordeau also acquired a diversified experience in Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions with companies such as Transcontinental and RBC Capital Markets. He graduated from HEC Montréal with a bachelor’s degree in commerce.

Denis Dubois

Denis Dubois has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group since September 2025. With a rich background within the organization, he embodies unifying leadership, offers a clear vision, and demonstrates a deep commitment to members, clients, and communities.

Denis Dubois is a graduate of Université Laval and an actuary by training. He's demonstrated remarkable rigour and built extensive experience over his career, having successfully completed the exams required to become a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Denis joined the Desjardins team in 2003 within the Property and Casualty Insurance Executive Division, where he rose to the role of Executive Vice-President in 2016. Subsequently, he held several other strategic positions, including President and CEO of Desjardins Financial Security, and Executive Vice-President of Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance. Throughout that time, he played a key role sustainably growing the sectors, while also developing the member/client experience and modernizing IT systems.
 

Pascal Houle

Pascal Houle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BAA) and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, and heads Canada's largest agricultural cooperative. Chief Executive Officer of Sollio Cooperative Group since 2021, he has accumulated over 25 years in the network. 
He is known for his hands-on approach, and his understanding of the values and issues specific to the agricultural cooperative community. As a sharp and rallying manager, he draws on the cooperative business model and uses his skills to help feed people while ensuring the prosperity of farm families. 
His boldness and expertise in strategic planning enable him to make business decisions that strengthen Sollio Cooperative Group’s leadership position in the agri-food sector. 


Biographies 2025