Valérie Plante, Montreal’s first woman mayor, has been out of politics for several months now, but after taking a professional break, writing a novel and helping host a television project, she is ready to embark on a new chapter in her career.
Plante is heading back to university: an Université de Montréal graduate herself, she is returning to UdeM in the Faculty of Arts and Science’s Maison des affaires publiques et internationales as a guest expert.
It's a role tailor-made for her.
“Valérie Plante’s experience in municipal governance, her expertise in citizen participation, the ecological transition and relations with civil society, as well as her involvement in international committees, will be central to what she can share with the Faculty of Arts and Science’s student and research community," said Frédéric Bouchard, the faculty's dean. "I am delighted that she accepted our invitation."
The mission of the Maison des affaires publiques et internationales is to bridge academic knowledge and public action and, at the same time, bring hands-on experience into the process of reflection, education and research. Plante will join former Quebec social-affairs minister Véronique Hivon, who has held this role for several years, as well as former Liberal Party of Canada leader and diplomat Stéphane Dion, who also takes part in its activities.
Plante’s arrival will give the university community access to the unique experience she gained during her eight years as mayor of Montreal, leading a major municipal administration faced with complex issues involving the ecological transition, economic development, housing, mobility, citizen participation and intergovernmental relations.
“It is a great pleasure to join Université de Montréal, because my studies here played an important role in shaping my view of the world and developing my critical and political thinking," she said. "I deeply believe in the role universities play in finding solutions to the major challenges facing our societies through research, innovation and education.
"This mandate will give me an opportunity to draw on my experience managing a major institution to better align research with the development of concrete and effective public policies. I am pleased to share my experience, my network and my reflections with a community of ideas that is also seeking to better understand the issues and, above all, to find solutions."
As part of her mandate, Valérie Plante will be responsible for creating a series of lectures and public events at the Maison des affaires publiques et internationales, focused on priorities such as the state of democracy, citizen participation and the fight against climate change. Her practical experience in public policy development will also enable her to provide targeted support for research and innovation projects. She will also mentor graduate students and contribute to several faculty courses.
In addition to putting her experience to work for students and researchers, the former politician will help strengthen dialogue between the university and practitioner and decision-making communities. At the Maison des affaires publiques et internationales, she will take part in public events, the annual Sciences et politiques publiques bootcamp, and more focused meetings with research teams, partners and decision-makers.
