Jean-François Lépine

Jean-François Lépine is a prominent figure in Québec journalism and diplomacy who has made a lasting impression on the media and international landscape through his keen intellect, civic engagement, and desire to make knowledge accessible to all.

After graduating in political science from Université Laval, he began his career at Radio-Canada in 1971 as a journalist before becoming a foreign correspondent and spending close to a decade in in Beijing, Paris, and Jerusalem. Through insightful analysis of political and social issues, his reports helped the public better understand the world and helped bring Québec onto the international stage.

Back in Québec, he helped launch the TV show Enjeux, and he went on to host Le Point from 1992 to 1998. He later created and hosted well-known shows such as Zone libre and Une heure sur terre, tackling complex topics with clarity and sensitivity. His voice became a hallmark of Québec journalism.

In 2015 he was appointed Director of Québec’s government offices in China, overseeing branches in Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, and Shenzhen until 2021. During his assignment he played a major diplomatic role, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and economics.

As a commentator on 98.5 FM in Montréal, an international affairs consultant in the media and the business world, and President of Solix Globe, he continues to promote understanding of global geopolitical issues while supporting the educational mission of his alma mater. In 2023 he established the Jean-François Lépine Scholarships for graduate students in political science, further demonstrating his commitment to the next generation and the transmission of knowledge.

Mr. Lépine is a visionary communicator and dedicated diplomat who has received numerous awards, including the Judith-Jasmin Award, the Raymond Charette Prize, and the Medal of Honour of the Québec National Assembly, as well as the distinctions of Officer of the Order of Canada and of Ordre national du Québec.

Université Laval is proud to award an honorary doctorate to Jean-François Lépine in recognition of an exceptional career shaped by the ideals of intellectual curiosity, openness to the world, and civic responsibility.