~ Teresa Marques, President and CEO, Rideau Hall Foundation
When I think about the kind of leadership Canada needs in the years ahead, I think about leaders who listen deeply, who act with integrity, and who believe in creating space for others to grow. It is in that spirit that I am so pleased to welcome Monique F. Leroux as Chair of the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC).
Monique is widely known for her leadership of Desjardins Group, where she served as Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer during a period of transformation and growth. But what has always stood out to me is not only what she has led, but how she has led. Throughout her career, she has brought together performance and purpose, demonstrating that strong institutions and strong values must go hand in hand.
She has been a champion of inclusive leadership, economic participation, and the development of future talent across every sector she has served. Whether in the cooperative movement, in corporate governance, or in public service, Monique has consistently chosen to invest in people and in communities. That commitment is perfectly aligned with the purpose of the GGCLC.
When Monique shared her reflections on this appointment, she spoke with characteristic generosity and care:
“I am deeply honoured to accept this nomination,” she said. “The Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference plays a crucial role in shaping Canada’s future leaders by connecting them with diverse communities and perspectives. I look forward to working with participants, volunteers, and partners from all across the country to make the 2026 Conference a transformative and life changing experience.”
For the Rideau Hall Foundation, this appointment carries special meaning. The 2026 Conference will be the first to be delivered under our stewardship, and we could not ask for a more fitting Chair to guide this next chapter. Monique embodies the values of service, collaboration, and responsibility that this Conference exists to cultivate.
From May 22 to June 5, 2026, emerging leaders from across Canada will come together for two intensive weeks of learning, including 16 study tours across the country. They will travel, listen, challenge themselves, and build relationships that often last a lifetime. My hope is that every participant will leave with a deeper understanding of Canada, and a stronger sense of the role they can play in shaping its future.
I am so grateful that Monique has agreed to lead this journey with us. Her experience, her wisdom, and her belief in developing others will shape the 2026 Conference, and I look forward to working alongside her in the months ahead.
Teresa Marques
President and CEO, Rideau Hall Foundation
