The Société Économique de l’Ontario enters a new phase of growth and welcomes three new directors
Ottawa, October 1st, 2026 — The Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors at its 26th Annual General Meeting, held earlier today.
Dr. Bernard Leduc (Ottawa) is a seasoned health-sector executive who served as President and CEO of Montfort Hospital for more than 13 years. He now serves on the University of Ottawa’s Board of Governors. Zaahirah Atchia (Mississauga) is a seasoned executive in media and international business development. A former Regional Director at CBC/Radio-Canada in Ontario, she is the founder of Atchia Strategic Advisory, where she helps businesses and institutions develop and expand their presence in Canadian and African markets. Priscillia Andrieu (Toronto) is Public Affairs and Francophonie Attachée at the Government of Québec’s Toronto office.
Their complementary expertise and diverse perspectives will strengthen the board’s strategic decision-making and help the SÉO achieve its growth ambitions.
“The SÉO is entering an important new chapter. As a board, our responsibility is to provide the organization with the expertise and guidance it needs to achieve its ambitions, make sound strategic decisions and ensure that its growth delivers real, lasting benefits for Ontario’s Francophone economy. Welcoming these three accomplished directors reflects that commitment,” said Cathy Modesto, Chair of the SÉO’s Board of Directors.
The Annual General Meeting also marked the end of the terms of Audrey Debruyne (Thunder Bay), Annie Ste-Croix (Ottawa) and Julie Tremblay (Kapuskasing). Ms. Tremblay will continue to represent the SÉO on the Board of Directors of RDÉE Canada for the coming year.
“Audrey, Annie and Julie brought valuable expertise and perspective to the board and helped shape many of the strategic decisions that have guided the SÉO’s evolution. I sincerely thank them for their dedication and for the lasting contribution they have made to the organization,” added Ms. Modesto.
Cathy Modesto, Marcel Blanchard and Faouzi Metouilli were re-elected to their respective positions as Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the SÉO Board of Directors. Zaahirah Atchia will succeed Frédéric Boulanger as Secretary, while Mr. Boulanger will continue to serve as a Board member.
It was also Catherine B. Bachand’s first Annual General Meeting as Chief Executive Officer of the SÉO, following the announcement of her appointment on September 23.
A fully digital annual report
The SÉO’s 2025–2026 Annual Report (in French only) was also tabled at the Annual General Meeting. Produced entirely in digital format, the report highlights the year’s major achievements and results, with particular attention to the people whose contributions advanced the organization’s mission.
Produced in collaboration with the digital media outlet Le Droit, the report also reflects a deliberate choice by the SÉO: to support a French-language media outlet, which also contributes to the vitality of our communities.
About the SÉO
Founded more than 25 years ago, the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) supports the growth of Ontario’s French-speaking and bilingual economy, an important driver of Canada’s competitiveness. With a team of some 40 employees across the province, the SÉO helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, supports French-speaking and bilingual newcomers as they enter the labour market and access quality employment opportunities, helps employers recruit qualified bilingual talent, and works with communities to advance local economic development through a range of initiatives and programs.
The SÉO relies on the support of key strategic partners to fulfill its mandate, including the Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE Canada), the Government of Canada through the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC), and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), particularly through the Settlement Program and the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). This financial and strategic support enables the organization to develop meaningful initiatives that reflect the realities of Ontario’s Francophone communities and contribute directly to their vitality, economic development and prosperity.
For more information:
François Legault
Interim Manager, Communications and External Relations
613-390-2871 ● flegault@seo-ont.ca