$20 million gift to university from Pierre Karl Péladeau
Wearing a number 20 Rouge et Or jersey, Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and CEO of Quebecor, proudly presented a record-breaking $20 million donation to Université Laval. This marks the most significant contribution in the institution’s history.
As a tribute to his late father, Pierre Péladeau, the founder of Quebecor, an adjacent pavilion will be renamed in his honor. Additionally, this generous gift will significantly benefit the future Carrefour international Brian-Mulroney.
“The last time I made a similar announcement, I forgot to give the figure…” Péladeau joked, holding up the Rouge et Or jersey with the number 20—a symbolic nod to the donation amount.
The donation is part of the Brian Mulroney International Crossroads Major Campaign, an ambitious initiative to raise $80 million to advance international studies at Université Laval.
“This goes beyond imagination for Université Laval, it’s historic!” said Rector Sophie D’Amours, addressing a packed audience. “This is an example that all of Quebec can be proud of.”
The Brian Mulroney International Crossroads will focus on research and teaching related to international issues. It will serve as a “unifying space” to promote Quebec and the French-speaking world, explained D’Amours.
Reflecting on his ties with the former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Péladeau emphasized his appreciation:
“I had the privilege of being able to count on his good advice and his loyalty. If Quebecor succeeds today, we owe it very closely to Mr. Mulroney.”
In alignment with Mulroney’s legacy, the Carrefour will embody a large-scale vision that reflects his influence, Péladeau noted.
A portion of the donation will fund the Sphère Québecor program, designed to enhance training and research in fields such as international studies, entrepreneurship, business, and communications. The objective is to equip the next generation of French-speaking talent with the tools to make a global impact.
Government officials present at the event highlighted the vital role of private sector contributions in strengthening universities.
Mayor Bruno Marchand humorously remarked, “We are expecting similar contributions from Facebook or Netflix, but we might have to wait a little while,” while expressing gratitude for the support of a local company like Quebecor.
Pascal Paradis, the PQ member for Jean-Talon, where Université Laval is located, emphasized the broader significance of this donation:
“It’s a great day for Jean-Talon, a great day for Université Laval, and a great day for Quebec.”
This announcement follows Quebecor’s $10 million donation last December to the CHU de Québec Foundation, where the future Integrated Cancer Center will bear the name of Pierre Péladeau.
“If Brian were here, he would have been delighted to be with us to celebrate this exceptional gift.” – Mila Mulroney, wife of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
“We cannot make major changes in universities without actors and actresses [from civil society].” – Sophie D’Amours, Rector of Université Laval
“Quebec philanthropy has evolved a lot. We’ve always said that there was a lack of large Quebec companies. Today, we have some that do incredible work and understand the importance of contributing to education.” – Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education
“That’s what it means to be masters in our own house: to have strong companies that can make strong gestures.” – Pascal Paradis, PQ member for Jean-Talon
With this historic contribution, Pierre Karl Péladeau and Quebecor reaffirm their commitment to education, research, and the future of Quebec’s next generation of leaders.