Catherine B. Bachand appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Société Économique de l’Ontario
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Ottawa, March 27, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Société Économique de l'Ontario (SÉO) is proud to announce the appointment of Catherine B. Bachand to the position of Chief Executive Officer.
This appointment of a seasoned executive, recognized for her visionary and mobilizing leadership, represents a significant milestone for the SÉO.
Ms. Bachand has:
Proven expertise in organizational management and leadership of large-scale projects with high economic impact, both nationally and internationally
A proven track record in public affairs, government relations and strategic development
Extensive senior-level experience in a variety of sectors, including tourism and entertainment, philanthropy, the Canadian Olympic Movement and federal politics.
Since February 2022, she has been leading government relations for Destination Canada, the federal Crown corporation responsible for ensuring a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry.
Ms. Bachand’s appointment aligns with the SÉO’s goal of consolidating and expanding its initiatives as well as with the organization’s continued focus on maximizing its economic and social impact within Ontario’s francophone and bilingual communities.
“We are confident that Catherine will bring new energy to the Société Économique de l'Ontario. Her arrival promises to revitalize the SÉO and enhance its role as a catalyst for francophone economic development in Ontario,” says Cathy Modesto, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Société Économique de l'Ontario.
Speaking before the members of the team and the Board of Directors recently gathered in Toronto for the International Day of La Francophonie, Ms. Bachand said, “With 1.5 million bilingual individuals representing 11.4% of Ontario’s workforce, the Francophone economy is an essential driver of growth and innovation. Taking on the leadership of the Société Économique de l'Ontario at this pivotal moment in our history is not only a tremendous privilege, but also a unique opportunity to fully mobilize this potential to strengthen Ontario and Canada’s economic resilience and competitiveness.”
The SÉO plays an essential role in bolstering the province’s francophone and bilingual economy, a pillar of Canadian competitiveness. Supported by a dedicated team of about 50 employees across the province, the organization aims to create an environment conducive to the success of francophones, and to strengthen their contribution to Ontario’s and Canada’s prosperity, resilience and competitiveness.
Catherine B. Bachand will officially assume her new role on April 24.
Notes to editors:
You will find detailed biographical notes on Ms. Bachand at the end of this press release.
About the SÉO:
The Société Économique de l’Ontario was founded nearly 25 years ago and employs some 50 people across the province.
Today, the organization is a leader in economic development within Ontario’s Francophone and bilingual communities. The SÉO fosters the emergence of new businesses and supports the growth of existing ones, helping Francophone and bilingual newcomers find quality jobs, assisting employers in their recruitment efforts, and contributing to the economic strengthening of communities through a series of initiatives and programs.
Data on Ontario’s Francophone economy:
Ontario accounts for around 54% of the French-speaking population outside Quebec.
Ontario’s francophone and bilingual workforce generates over $80 billion annually, or 12% of Ontario’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Ontario is home to more than 30,000 francophone businesses – accounting for half of all francophone businesses outside Quebec.
For further information:
Nadia JACQUEMET
Communications and External Relations Manager
613-590-2493 ext. 102 / communications@seo-ont.ca
BIOGRAPHY OF CATHERINE B. BACHAND
Throughout her career, Catherine B. Bachand has stood out for her strategic leadership and ability to mobilize teams around large-scale initiatives.
Before joining Destination Canada in February 2022, Ms. Bachand held several leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including those of Chief Executive Officer of the Fondation de l’Université de Sherbrooke and of the ONE DROP Foundation, the philanthropic partner of Cirque du Soleil. As head of this international nongovernmental organization from 2012 to 2017, she led its subsidiaries in the United States and Europe and managed a microfinance fund dedicated to supporting sustainable initiatives aimed at improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene in emerging countries.
She also led the philanthropy and social impact practice at NATIONAL Public Relations, advising organizations on the development of their public affairs and social investment strategies.
Her career includes significant tenure within the Canadian Olympic Movement. From 2004 to 2011, she served as Chief of Staff of the Organizing Committee for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, before leading the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Transition Team.
Catherine B. Bachand began her career in federal politics in 1998. She has held several key positions within the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada and other federal departments, including Justice, Intergovernmental Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Catherine B. Bachand holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from l’Université Laval. She also studied at the University of Ottawa and Simon Fraser University and obtained a certificate from the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.