The announced departure of the CEO of the Commission de la construction du Québec, Diane Lemieux, surprised many in the industry.

When she leaves on September 15, Diane Lemieux will have led for more than 12 years a large organization with a complex mission, where employers’ associations and unions work side by side and where tensions are sometimes felt.

Former Minister of Labor and Employment, she is renowned for not letting herself be walked on and not being afraid of the turmoil when she wants to implement a reform that she believes is necessary.

“We are surprised by his departure. The CCQ has evolved in the right direction under his leadership, particularly in the file of the place of women and people from under-represented groups on construction sites in Quebec,” commented Guillaume Houle, spokesperson for the Association. de la construction du Québec, one of the major employers’ associations.

The FTQ-Construction, the largest labor organization in the industry, which represents nearly 90,000 workers, had a completely different speech.

In an interview on Friday, its general manager, Éric Boisjoly, said bluntly that it was “very, very good news for workers in the industry” that Ms. Lemieux is leaving her position. He wants “a new wind” that improves relations at the CCQ.

It is important to point out that several conflicts have erupted between labor organizations and the CCQ, in particular over pension plan management fees. Some even went to court.