Former Quebec premier Jean Charest nominated as candidate for Stingray Group board of directors

Former Premier of Quebec Jean Charest who is a member of the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations speaks to reporters during a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello in Montebello, Que., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest has been confirmed as a candidate for a seat on the board of directors of Stingray Group.

The Montreal-based company, which specializes in multi-platform music and video services, made the announcement Monday afternoon.

The election to the board is expected to take place at the company’s annual general meeting on Aug. 6.

Board chair Mark Pathy welcomed the former premier’s decision to run, saying that “his distinguished career in public service, his extensive experience in public policy and international affairs, and his keen understanding of the Canadian context” would be “valuable assets” for Stingray Group.

According to Pathy, Charest’s election “would bring invaluable strategic perspectives as Stingray continues its global expansion and innovation in the dynamic media and technology sectors.”

If elected, Charest would take over for François-Charles Sirois, co-founder of Stingray and director since 2007, who will not be standing for re-election this year.

The former premier previously served briefly on the board of directors of Canadian National Railway (CN).

He took office on Jan. 25, 2022, but resigned on April 1 when he announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.

• READ MORE: Jean Charest earned nearly $70,000 in two months at CN

Charest was a Member of Parliament and federal minister for the former Progressive Conservative Party in the 1980s and 1990s before switching to the Quebec Liberal Party in 1998.

He served as premier from 2003 to 2012, before returning to the practice of law.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 8, 2025.