Espace Michel Lizée
Biography
Who Was Michel Lizée?
After earning a BA in Mathematics from Collège Sainte-Marie with the Jesuits, Michel obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in 1971.
Already politically active in the Front d’Action Populaire (FRAP), a left-wing municipal party, Michel spent six months in Salvador Allende’s Chile, living with a working-class family and working at Cootralaco, a cooperative factory. This trip reinforced his commitment to equity and justice for workers.
Already politically active in the Front d’Action Populaire (FRAP), a left-wing municipal party, Michel spent six months in Salvador Allende’s Chile, living with a working-class family and working at Cootralaco, a cooperative factory. This trip reinforced his commitment to equity and justice for workers.
After returning to Québec, Michel was hired by UQAM to explore opportunities for collaboration between the university, the FTQ, and the CSN on training and research projects. UQAM later adopted a policy and infrastructure for Community Services and signed agreements with the FTQ and the CSN (and later the CSQ), as well as with Relais-femmes. At the same time, the Ministry of Education created the Community Services Fund. This idea—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 diverse 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 CUPE-FTQ, serving as president from 1983 to 1988. He was an active participant in several union bodies, particularly the Montréal Metropolitan Regional Council. Beginning in 1979, he became the representative of UQAM employees to the Université du Québec Pension Plan (RRUQ). From 1993 to 2005, he was chair of the Investment Committee, which allowed him to develop deep expertise in pension plan investment management.
In 1987, Michel earned a master’s degree in political economy from Carleton University in Ottawa. His thesis, Canada’s “Great Pension Debate”: the Blossoming of a Dualist Pension System, articulated his understanding of the shortcomings of retirement policy 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 at 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 Wage-Funded Pension Plan for Community and Women’s Groups. Today, after 15 years, the Plan includes more than 1,000 community groups, nearly 13,000 participants, and more than 350 retirees.
During his years at Community Services, Michel coordinated a wide variety of projects across diverse 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 CUPE-FTQ, serving as president from 1983 to 1988. He was an active participant in several union bodies, particularly the Montréal Metropolitan Regional Council. Beginning in 1979, he became the representative of UQAM employees to the Université du Québec Pension Plan (RRUQ). From 1993 to 2005, he was chair of the Investment Committee, which allowed him to develop deep expertise in pension plan investment management.
In 1987, Michel earned a master’s degree in political economy from Carleton University in Ottawa. His thesis, Canada’s “Great Pension Debate”: the Blossoming of a Dualist Pension System, articulated his understanding of the shortcomings of retirement policy 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 at 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 Wage-Funded Pension Plan for Community and Women’s Groups. Today, after 15 years, the Plan includes more than 1,000 community groups, nearly 13,000 participants, and more than 350 retirees.
Credit:
Ruth Rose, Associate Retired Professor,
UQAM — Updated version of the biography published on March 15, 2021
Retirement Observatory
Website: observatoireretraite.ca
Ruth Rose, Associate Retired Professor,
UQAM — Updated version of the biography published on March 15, 2021
Retirement Observatory
Website: observatoireretraite.ca
Words from Michel Lizée
“People simply have no idea of the very low incomes that await them in retirement if they do not establish a retirement plan. I always say that, even if one does not earn a high salary, one simply cannot afford to be without a retirement plan.”
