Michel Lizée Space
Message from the General Coordinator
The history of the Retirement Plan for Community and Women’s Groups could not have been written without the invaluable contribution of Michel Lizée. A development officer at UQAM’s Community Services, and above all an economist passionate about retirement and social justice, Michel Lizée was concerned about the plight of community workers in retirement. For him, there was no doubt that if the sector did not address this aspect of working conditions, all these individuals would inevitably face poverty in retirement. This situation was particularly shocking to him, as it meant that people, predominantly women, who had dedicated their lives to improving society and the living conditions of others, would find themselves, upon retirement, living on incomes below the poverty line.
Thus, thanks to Michel, and more importantly, with his active involvement, community and women’s groups began to explore the possibility of offering a retirement plan to the community sector. After several years of dedicated effort, the Wage-Funded Retirement Plan for Community and Women’s Groups (RRFS-GCF) was successfully established.
However, Michel Lizée did not merely contribute to the Plan’s creation; he remained actively involved until his passing. He supported the administrative implementation of the Plan and ensured that its investments and rules aligned with our values. He was the primary trainer for the members of the retirement committee, serving as an invaluable source of knowledge. He constantly sought new ways to democratize understanding of retirement. Michel was always available to answer questions from the secretariat staff, even when it required him to conduct research and draft opinions.
This Michel Lizée Space is therefore a way for the Plan to pay tribute to him, and above all, to highlight his immense contribution to the world of retirement. Here, you will discover not only his role in the creation and strength of our Plan, but also who he was, why he earned the title of ‘Mr. Retirement,’ the recognition he received for his work, as well as testimonials from those who knew him and anecdotes that will help you better understand this humble and dedicated man.
Enjoy your discovery!
Thus, thanks to Michel, and more importantly, with his active involvement, community and women’s groups began to explore the possibility of offering a retirement plan to the community sector. After several years of dedicated effort, the Wage-Funded Retirement Plan for Community and Women’s Groups (RRFS-GCF) was successfully established.
However, Michel Lizée did not merely contribute to the Plan’s creation; he remained actively involved until his passing. He supported the administrative implementation of the Plan and ensured that its investments and rules aligned with our values. He was the primary trainer for the members of the retirement committee, serving as an invaluable source of knowledge. He constantly sought new ways to democratize understanding of retirement. Michel was always available to answer questions from the secretariat staff, even when it required him to conduct research and draft opinions.
This Michel Lizée Space is therefore a way for the Plan to pay tribute to him, and above all, to highlight his immense contribution to the world of retirement. Here, you will discover not only his role in the creation and strength of our Plan, but also who he was, why he earned the title of ‘Mr. Retirement,’ the recognition he received for his work, as well as testimonials from those who knew him and anecdotes that will help you better understand this humble and dedicated man.
Enjoy your discovery!
Anabelle Caron
General Coordinator
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.”
