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...

Ottawa, September 23, 2026 The Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Catherine B. Bachand as President and CEO. Appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in March 2025, Ms. Bachand was tasked with strengthening and expanding the SÉO’s initiatives to increase its economic and social impact in Ontario’s Francophone and bilingual communities. Since taking on the role, she has led a transformation focused on bringing teams closer together,...

Francophone businesses turn to interprovincial trade to diversify their markets

Suzane Louchard Appointed Vice-President - Programs and Operations at the Société Économique de l'Ontario

Soufiane Koussih appointed Vice-President — Corporate Services

SÉO Reorganization

Sudbury, December 4, 2025 As the Magnetic North forum draws to a close tomorrow, the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) reaffirmed its central role as a key, on-the-ground partner supporting employers and Northern communities in driving economic development. “Economic development cannot be built in isolation,” said Catherine B. Bachand, Chief Executive Officer of SÉO, during her keynote address to participants gathered for lunch at Science North in Sudbury. “It is built through...

HAMILTON, February 17, 2025 French-speaking entrepreneurs in Hamilton have a unique opportunity to bring their ambitions to life through...