Andre Chagnon, the founder of Videotron Cable, died Friday night at the age of 94.
Born in Montreal in 1928, André Chagnon trained as an electrical technician at the Ecole Technique de Montreal and worked as a clerk for a few years. He then decided to go into business at the age of 31, creating ER Chagnon et Fils Ltée.
In 1964, after selling his business, he founded Videotron by purchasing Ahansik Telecommunications, a small cable company in Laval. The company became a real leader in the sector in 1980 with the acquisition of Câblevision thanks to the Caisse de depot et placement du Québec.
The arrival of Télé-Métropole in 1986 catapulted Groupe Vidéotron to the top. The channel, now TVA, was the leading private channel in Quebec at the time.
André Chagnon’s business made a name for itself in 1990 with the opening of Le SuperClub Vidéotron stores and the creation of the Vidéoway system. Mr. Chagnon has received numerous awards for his achievements, including the Grand Bâtisseur in Information Technology and Communications. Awarded in 2003 by the Fédération de l’Informatique du Québec. He was also inducted into the Telecommunications Hall of Fame in 2009. The founder of Videotron was involved in many charities that helped the poor. In 2000, when Videotron was sold to Quebecor, he established the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. Mr. Chagnon was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and the Ordre National du Québec and received a Ph.D. Honorable cause Presented by McGill University and HEC Montreal.
Quebec is losing a great man
The public sphere was quick to react to André Chagnon’s departure. This particularly underscored the great respect his father had for the entrepreneur, Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and CEO of Quebecor.
“He, along with Henri Audet, is one of the artisans in handling our communication tools, here in Quebec. Innovator (videoway) and go-getter are traits that perfectly describe him. Condolences to his children, family and loved ones,” he tweeted.
Many politicians also wanted to highlight the life of the Videotron founder.
“Quebec is losing a brilliant and visionary man with the death of André Chagnon. I have consulted him since I was in politics. I offer my deepest condolences to his children Johanne, Claude, Elaine and Isabelle and to his entire family,” said Quebec’s Premier François Legault.
For his part, Dominique Anglade, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Mr. He thanked Sagnon for his commitment to the community.
“Today we lose a true icon. My condolences to the family and loved ones. Mr. Chagnon was a great man involved in many charities and founder of the Lucy and Andre Chagnon Foundation. Thank you Mr. Chagnon,” he wrote in a tweet.
Outgoing Family Minister Mathieu Lacombe got the news in the same mood. “What sad news. Through the Lucy and André Chagnon Foundation, Mr. Chagnon has done so much for our children. He has helped improve the lives of countless children. “This is a great loss for Quebec,” he said, offering condolences to the family.
“On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and on my behalf, Mr. Our deepest condolences to André Chagnon’s loved ones and family. We salute his contribution to the growth of the Quebec economy and entrepreneurship,” said Yves-Francois Blanchet, president of Bloc Québécois.
Charitable communities such as the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation also paid their last respects. “From our family to you, our deepest condolences to you, your loved ones and associates. Mr. We salute André Chagnon’s exceptional philanthropic work, especially for the young and the most vulnerable.”
“Music geek. Coffee lover. Devoted food scholar. Web buff. Passionate internet guru.”
