Christine Fréchette (born 1970) is a Canadian politician and academic, currently serving as a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec (MNA) for the riding of Sanguinet since the 2022 provincial election. A member of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party, she served as the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration from October 2022 to October 2023 in the government of Premier François Legault.
Early life and Education
Born in Quebec, Fréchette pursued higher education in international relations and public administration. She holds a master's degree in public administration from the École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP) and a bachelor's degree in international relations from Université Laval.Career
Before entering provincial politics, Fréchette had a distinguished career in international relations, economic development, and public administration. Her roles included:- Delegate to the Quebec Delegation in New York: She represented Quebec's interests in the United States.
- Director of the Americas at the World Economic Forum: In this capacity, she was involved in shaping global economic agendas and fostering international collaboration.
- Director General of the Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain (CCMM): She played a key role in advocating for the Montreal business community and promoting economic growth in the region.
- Adjunct Professor at HEC Montréal: She shared her expertise in international business and public policy with students.
Her career prior to politics focused on building bridges between Quebec, Canada, and the international community, particularly in economic and diplomatic spheres.
Political Career
Fréchette was first elected as a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec for the riding of Sanguinet in the October 3, 2022, provincial election, running under the banner of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).Following her election, she was appointed to the provincial cabinet as the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration on October 20, 2022. In this role, she was responsible for Quebec's immigration policies, including selection criteria, reception services for newcomers, and initiatives aimed at integrating immigrants into Quebec society and promoting the use of the French language. She held this portfolio until October 2023.
As an MNA, she continues to represent her constituents in Sanguinet and participates in legislative debates and committee work within the National Assembly.