Michel Lizée’s Corner Biography

After returning to Québec, Michel was hired by the UQAM to explore opportunities for collaboration between the university, the FTQ and the CSN on training and research projects. The UQAM later adopted a community services policy and infrastructure and signed agreements with the FTQ and the CSN (later the CSQ), as well as with Relais-femmes. At the same time, the Ministère de l’Éducation created the Community Services Fund. This idea of using university resources to support groups that otherwise would not have access to them is one of Michel’s major legacies and has inspired similar collaborations across Canada.

During his years at Community Services, Michel coordinated a wide variety of projects across a variety of fields. Over time, he developed training programs on pension plans, especially for unionized individuals involved in negotiating or managing their pension plans.

At the same time, Michel was active in the UQAM employees’ union (SEUQAM), affiliated with the CUPE-FTQ, serving as its president from 1983 to 1988. He was an active participant in several union bodies, particularly the Conseil régional de Montréal Métropolitain. In 1979, he became the UQAM employees’ representative at the Régime de retraite de l’Université du Québec (RRUQ). From 1993 to 2005, he was chair of the investment committee, which allowed him to develop extensive expertise in pension plan investment management.

In 1987, Michel earned a master’s degree in political economy from Carleton University in Ottawa. His master’s thesis, Canada’s “Great Pension Debate”: the Blossoming of a Dualist Pension System, articulated his understanding of the shortcomings of retirement policies in Canada. His strong ability to identify long-term issues fueled his vision of a comprehensive and equitable retirement system, notably as a member of expert committees for the Régie des rentes, in union bodies, and in numerous briefs and political interventions. Michel was frequently invited on television or to conferences to comment on current events related to pension plans. He was also invited several times to provide training or lectures abroad, including in 2009 by the International Labour Office (ILO) for African trade unionists.

Beginning in 2004, Michel provided technical support to a coalition coordinated by Relais-femmes and the Centre de formation populaire. This led in 2008 to the creation of the Régime de retraite à financement salarial des groupes communautaires et de femmes. Today, after 15 years, the Plan includes more than 1,000 community groups, nearly 13,000 participants, and more than 350 retirees.