The cooperative model holds a central place in the economic landscape of Quebec and Canada. With billions in revenue, thousands of jobs, and strong reinvestment in communities, cooperatives make a significant contribution to the country’s GDP and to our collective prosperity. Present at every stage of the value chain, they play a structuring role in the vitality of our regions and the resilience of our economy.
As we seek development models that are more sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted, the cooperative model stands out as a strategic solution. This panel will bring together the CEOs of Desjardins Group, Agropur, and Sollio Cooperative Group for an in-depth discussion on the economic impact of the cooperative movement and its role in shaping the prosperity of today and tomorrow.

Please note that the presentation will be in French.

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Biography

Émile Cordeau

Since joining Agropur in 2013, Mr. Émile Cordeau has occupied a series of positions, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, in which capacity he played a key role in the Cooperative’s development. He previously occupied the position of Vice President for the Foodservice and Proximity Retail group and was formerly in charge of the Fine Cheese Business Unit. 

Before joining Agropur, Émile Cordeau worked at Dollarama where he actively participated in its evolution from a privately held family-owned company to a major public company. Émile Cordeau also acquired a diversified experience in Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions with companies such as Transcontinental and RBC Capital Markets. He graduated from HEC Montréal with a bachelor’s degree in commerce.

Denis Dubois

Denis Dubois est président et chef de la direction du Mouvement Desjardins depuis septembre 2025. Fort d’un riche parcours au sein de l’organisation, il incarne un leadership rassembleur, propose une vision claire et démontre un engagement profond envers les membres, les clients et les collectivités.

Actuaire de formation, il est diplômé de l’Université Laval. Il a complété avec succès les examens menant à l’obtention des titres de Fellow de l’Institut canadien des actuaires et de la Casualty Actuarial Society, attestant de sa rigueur et de sa vaste expertise.

Membre de la grande équipe Desjardins depuis 2003, il a occupé plusieurs fonctions stratégiques, notamment premier vice-président Assurance de dommages, président et chef de l’exploitation de Desjardins Sécurité financière et premier-vice-président, Gestion de patrimoine et Assurance de personnes. Il a également joué un rôle déterminant dans le développement pancanadien de Desjardins, incluant l’acquisition des activités canadiennes de State Farm, d’IDC et de Worldsource.

Très engagé dans sa communauté, il appuie activement des causes et les organismes qui lui tiennent à cœur, dont Centraide, la Société canadienne du cancer et la Fondation Desjardins. Il croit fermement à la force du collectif et à la capacité de chaque personne de bâtir une société plus équitable et plus solidaire.
 

Pascal Houle

Pascal Houle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BAA) and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, and heads Canada's largest agricultural cooperative. Chief Executive Officer of Sollio Cooperative Group since 2021, he has accumulated over 25 years in the network. 
He is known for his hands-on approach, and his understanding of the values and issues specific to the agricultural cooperative community. As a sharp and rallying manager, he draws on the cooperative business model and uses his skills to help feed people while ensuring the prosperity of farm families. 
His boldness and expertise in strategic planning enable him to make business decisions that strengthen Sollio Cooperative Group’s leadership position in the agri-food sector. 


Biographies 2025