France MAINVILLE

Interview with the Director of the Maison des étudiants canadiens

Tell us about your background and your arrival at the Cité internationale.

A law graduate and a member of the Bar of Quebec, I have a trajectory that transcends the domain of my legal training.

The current director of the Maison des étudiants canadiens, I have had important experiences in various domain such as culture, education and interpersonal relations. These experiences and passions have allowed me to combine the mind of a manager of human resources and finances and an open mind, ready to “think new”.

Carrying out management duties, I have a very varied background, from managing the Semaine francophone de Toronto team to managing the university residences at the University of Sherbrooke, as well as managing internships at the Bar of Quebec and other sectors at the University of Sherbrooke.

At the University of Sherbrooke, I also held the role of Deputy Manager for the Cultural Centre, where I managed not only the performance halls (1300 seats) but also the university’s art collections, bringing an even more passionate view to the art and the management of cultural projects.

I arrived at the MEC with all of my “background”, but especially with a team spirit and innovation to make the building an even more secure, but also welcoming, friendly place that is full of exchanges and sharing. 

What do you think makes the Cité internationale a unique campus in the world?

The encounter with the other and with oneself

How does living in your house allow residents to have a different outlook on the world and how is it a spring board for their futures?

The Maison des étudiants canadiens, along with its residents’ committee, frequently organises activities, trips and cultural events that allow the residents to network and make lifelong friendships.

Highlighting our Canadian and mixed students and encouraging them to develop is a part of our core being, whether it be through a concert by a resident musician, a private showing organised by an art student or a video presenting a doctoral student’s thesis to our networks…

All of this makes the MEC a special place where networking, friendships and meetings are encouraged.

A large family, a place where life is good.

 

If you had to sum up the Cité internationale in one word, what would it be and why?

UNIQUE

Unique in the encounters there           

Unique in its diversity

Unique in its history

Unique in its peaceful setting

Unique in its geographical location

Unique in Paris

Unique in the world

Stéphane DION

The Honourable Stéphane Dion is a distinguished Canadian diplomat, public servant, and academic.

As Canada’s Ambassador to Germany and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe from 2017 to 2022, he helped deepen Canada’s relationship with Germany while advancing Canada’s interests throughout Europe, for the benefit of people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Prior to this role, he served as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2017, where he championed Canadian leadership in the world, including the promotion of universal human rights, peace and stability efforts, the global climate challenge, and Canada’s enduring commitment to multilateralism.

In 2006, he became Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons, a position that he retained until 2008. Mr. Dion was previously Minister of the Environment from 2004 to 2005, when he secured what was praised as one of the greenest budgets in Canada’s history. In 2005, he chaired the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP11/MOP1), where he reconciled the diverging interests of member countries to effectively implement the Kyoto Protocol.

As Minister responsible for Official Languages from 2001 to 2003, he crafted and launched the Action Plan for Official Languages, still used as a reference today. Serving as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs between 1996 and 2003 – longer than any other Canadian since Confederation – Mr. Dion played a primary role promoting Canadian unity.

He served as a Member of Parliament first in 1996, representing Saint-Laurent— Cartierville, and was re-elected seven consecutive times.

Before entering politics, Mr. Dion taught Political Science at Université de Moncton in 1984, then at Université de Montréal from 1984 to 1995. He has authored many scientific articles and books on public administration, organizational studies, political institutions, and environmental policies. He also sat on the External Advisory Board of the Yale Climate and Energy Institute from 2011 to 2015.

Born in Quebec City, Mr. Dion studied at Université Laval before obtaining a Doctorate in Sociology from the Institut d’études politiques in Paris, France. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Carlos III University of Madrid.