Aldo Sylvestre, President
Mr. Aldo Sylvestre has sat on the Board of Directors of Gestion Providentia since 2017. He has vast experience in the real estate sector. He joined the Canada Lands Company in February 2008 as Director, Real Estate. In this role, he worked on a number of projects for the Nouveau Havre de Montréal. Prior to joining the Canada Lands Company, Mr. Sylvestre was Vice-President, Consultation Services at NKF Devencore, where for 20 years he assisted many corporate and institutional clients in Canada and around the globe with strategies for real estate portfolio planning and the enhancement of surplus property assets. Mr. Sylvestre trained as an architect and graduated from McGill University’s School of Architecture. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.
Yves Benoit, Vice-President
Yves Benoit holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in health services administration with a major in health services management from the Université de Montréal. Self-employed since 2011, he has pursued studies in individual coaching and collaborative work, and acts as a coach, mentor and advisor to the Quebec health and social services network.
With more than 40 years in the health network, he has acted as Assistant Director of Community Health, Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director of various establishments in the network, including a general care hospital centre, a university hospital centre and a physical disability rehabilitation centre. He pursues mandates for the Health and Social Services Network. He has to his credit several years as a director on several boards of directors, particularly on governance and ethics, risk management and audit committees.
Carole Paré, Secretary-Treasurer, Board Member
Ms. Paré has sat on the Board of Directors of Gestion Providentia since 2017. Thanks to her many years of practice in diverse environments and her advanced studies, Ms. Paré has extensive experience in her fields of specialization. She skillfully uses her knowledge of the law, administration and finance to carry out transactions and agreements relating to acquisitions, development, funding partnerships or brokerage.
Manitoba, and Catholic Health Sponsors. Prior to joining Delegatus in 2012, Ms. Paré was Senior Director of Partnerships at Maestro, a subsidiary of the Caisse de Dépôt et de placement that, at the time, was the largest owner and manager of seniors residences. She also served as Director of Legal Services at Sobeys Québec and Vice-President of Legal Affairs at NKF Devencore. Ms. Paré has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1987 and has a Master of Business Administration with a real estate option.
Véronique Dubé, Board Member
Ms. Véronique Dubé has a doctorate in nursing. She has worked with elderly people and their caregivers as a nurse clinician, instructor and specialized care advisor in residential and long-term care centers as well as in hospitals. She is currently an associate professor at the Faculty of Nursing of the Université de Montréal and the first holder of the Marguerite-d’Youville Research Chair in Humanistic Nursing Interventions. She is a regular researcher at the Carrefour de l’innovation of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, an associate researcher at the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal and has supervised the work of several master’s and doctoral students.
In addition to her interests in the care of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, their caregivers and the professional development of nurses, her work focuses on humanistic interventions with vulnerable clienteles, including people living with a major neurocognitive disorder and their caregivers.
Sister Aurore Larkin, Board Member
Sister Aurore Larkin has sat on the Board of Directors of Gestion Providentia since 2016. She joined the Grey Nuns of Montreal in 1963 and became professed in 1966. Her journey is deeply rooted in the charism and mission of the Grey Nun’s foundress, Saint Marguerite d’Youville. Sister Larkin first worked in parish ministries and as a social worker in the Northwest Territories and Alberta. She has held various congregation leadership positions (provincial superior, provincial advisor), including ten years as Congregational Leader from 1996 to 2006. She continued her work with the underprivileged at community organizations in Montreal until July 2016, when she was again elected as Congregational Leader for five years. She has a Bachelor of Theology from the Newman Theological College in Edmonton, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Arts from La Salle University in Philadelphia, with a concentration in marriage and family.
She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg.
Stéphane Dorge, Board Member
Since February 10, 2020, Stéphane D. Dorge, LL.B., M.B.A. has been the Director of Governance Services and Corporate Secretary at Compassion Network in Winnipeg. Prior to joining Compassion Network, Mr. Dorge served as Corporate Secretary at St. Boniface University. He also served as a Competition Law Officer with the Canadian Competition Bureau and practiced law in the areas of corporate and commercial law.
Mr. Dorge has served on numerous corporate and community boards and is currently the Chair of the Manitoba Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority and Vice-Chair of Caisse Financial Group.
Josée Cavalancia, Board Member
With a law degree from the Université de Montréal, an MBA from HEC Montréal, and past experience as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, Josée is known for her excellent business acumen and her global understanding of corporate issues.
Also passionate about management, strategy and governance, Josée has been actively involved in several boards of directors. She is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of Aequo Shareholder Engagement Services Inc., a professional firm that advises asset owners and managers on responsible investment and conducts shareholder engagement on ESG issues.
Pierre Brazé, Board Member
Pierre Brazé was a long-time member of the Ordre des CPA and CGA. A productive career with the Desjardins Group allowed him to develop his skills in the management of financial and administrative functions, in the financial management of special projects, in the implementation of outsourcing centers, in the selection of financial management systems and in strategic and budgetary planning.Now, as a consultant, he uses his expertise for human resources recruitment, short term management replacement mandates and financial training of board members.
In addition to his professional interests, he has been actively involved for several years with the professional orders as a director appointed by the Office des professions du Québec. Furthermore, he has linked his passion for aviation and helping others by becoming the Eastern Townships director of SERABEC, a group specialized in air search and rescue.
Jean-Emmanuel Arsenault, Executive Director
jearsenault@gestionprovidentia.ca
Jean-Emmanuel Arsenault holds a master’s degree in environmental sciences from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a bachelor’s degree in biology (specializing in ecology and environmental protection) from the Université de Montréal. He is a seasoned manager, recognized for his mobilizing leadership and with over 15 years of experience in positions of high responsibility. In 2014, he was appointed General Manager of Axia Services, a social economy enterprise with 650 employees whose mission is to create jobs for people living with limitations, which he made flourish and grow. Prior to joining Axia Services, he held the position of Assistant Director of Conservation at the Nature Conservancy of Canada and was responsible for the conservation and education department at Sépaq.
►▼ See full profileMr. Arsenault is an empathetic, dynamic, results-oriented mobilizer and a strategic thinker. During his career, he has initiated and managed several major projects, including the merger/acquisition of two companies, the delivery of strategic planning, the construction of a new head office and the creation of a training academy, to name a few. He has also led and served on various committees, both on boards of directors, including as Chairman of the Board of the Conseil québécois des entreprises adaptées (an association of 40 companies with more than 5,000 employees), and on issue tables dealing with environmental and social issues, as well as scientific committees. Mr. Arsenault places great importance on communication, the inclusion of ideas and partnerships with the various bodies involved in the projects under his management.
Having completed his high school studies at the Collège Saint-Sacrement de Terrebonne as well as university studies at the Université de Montréal and the Université du Québec à Montréal, Mr. Arsenault has acquired, over the years, a rigorous education that values discipline and a job well done. In this perspective, he is concerned with offering quality services and being attentive to the needs of religious congregations in order to contribute to the perpetuation of their charism.
Danielle Gratton, CPA, CGA, Assistant Executive Director
dgratton@gestionprovidentia.ca
Danielle Gratton is a chartered professional accountant and talented manager who has worked for 30 years at various service companies and nonprofit organizations. She is a dynamic and committed professional who stands out through her human-focused and personalized approach.
►▼ See full profileA certified member of the Quebec CPA Order, Danielle Gratton started her career as an accounting intern at the accounting firm Lévesque Marchand Welch, SENCRL, where she gained experience in accounting, audit, and tax services.
She went on to become a controller for Les Jardins de la Montagne, a private real estate management firm that offers a range of services to the owners of residential and commercial complexes throughout Canada.
Her career then led her to a position as Controller and Director of Human Resources for Cartier Place Suite Hotel, a 235-room hotel complex in Ottawa, Ontario.
In 2000, she became a consultant and co-owner of Gestion Dynapro, where she led a team that offered a wide range of accounting and administrative services and financial management, including the implementation of accounting programs, the design and implementation of internal controls, budget planning, the implementation of accountability processes, as well as the development and preparation of financial reports. Her client portfolio included over 50 small and medium-sized companies in different sectors and particularly nonprofits such as the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, the Agency for Co-operative Housing, and over 15 housing co-operatives.
In 2007, again as the co-owner of Gestion Dynapro, Danielle Gratton began working with the Grey Nuns of Montreal. This partnership prompted her to sell her shares in Gestion Dynapro to offer consultation services to the Grey Nuns. She then took on the role of Financial Director and supervises the team responsible for the congregation’s accounting and financial affairs. She also contributes to the development of the congregation’s strategic orientations.
In 2016, she helped create Gestion Providentia, for which she is now Assistant Executive Director.
Her many years of experience have given her invaluable managerial skills and essential abilities to manage and coordinate work teams. Her involvement with various organizations has let her develop skills to help Gestion Providentia’s clients in the development of strategic orientations and change management.
Jean-François Houle, Corporate Secretary and Director of Client Relations
jfhoule@gestionprovidentia.ca
In addition to having a Bachelor of Business Administration with a finance option from Université du Québec à Montréal, Jean-François Houle received his Master of Business Administration with an international option as part of a joint program at Université du Québec à Montréal and Université Paris-Dauphine. His extensive background has made him a seasoned manager, and his skilled and creative contribution to Gestion Providentia has been significant.
►▼ See full profileFor nearly six years, Jean-François Houle was a financial advisor for startup and expanding companies with Demers Beaulne, an accounting consultancy in Montreal. He often gives talks as a guest speaker on how to start a company.
In June 2000, he started working for the Société Quartier international de Montréal (Société AGIL OBNL since 2015), a nonprofit that manages between $20 million and $25 million annually in high-end urban and architectural development projects. The projects of Société AGIL OBNL include the Quartier international de Montréal, McGill Street, Square des Frères-Charon, Quartier des spectacles, the rehabilitation of the Mariners’ House, the renovation and expansion of the Museum of Ingenuity J. Armand Bombardier, the creation of the Fort de Ville-Marie pavilion, and the enhancement of the 100 linear metres of the William collector sewer.
As part of his duties, Jean-François Houle was involved in the management of various projects and was also responsible for the governance of the organization. He managed client requests, ensured client satisfaction and maintained the relationship and work climate in an environment where projects are often fast-tracked. Among other things, he was responsible for office administration, producing and monitoring budgets and preparing the organization’s or projects’ funding files with the main funding agencies.
In 2006, he was named Head of Quality and became responsible for reviewing all of the organization’s processes and management practices, which earned him an award of merit at the Grands Prix québécois de la qualité in 2007.
In 2008 and 2009, Jean-François Houle was an evaluator for the Grands Prix québécois de la qualité. Evaluators play a key role in the selection process for these awards.
From 2018 to 2021, Jean-François Houle served as Director of Operations for Gestion Providentia where he oversaw the implementation of the priorities established by the Board of Directors and General Management and managed corporate services, human resources, financial operations and facilities. He also oversaw the execution of client contracts and participated in mandates with various religious congregations.
Mélanie Jobidon, Director of Support Services and Lay Manager
mjobidon@gestionprovidentia.ca
In 2008, Ms. Mélanie Jobidon obtained a Bachelor’s degree by cumulating a Certificate in Project Management from the École des hautes études commerciales, a Certificate in Administration from Université Laval and a Certificate in Advertising from Université de Montréal.
►▼ See full profileHer experience as a Property Manager, at the beginning of her career, led her to entrepreneurship, notably in the restaurant industry, and then to a position as Manager of an entertainment complex and as Coordinator of a living environment. It is following this last experience that Ms. Jobidon was recruited by Gestion Providentia, starting as a Service Coordinator and then being promoted to Director of Religious and Technical Services.
Ms. Jobidon is known for her ability to adapt, analyze and solve problems. An experienced team manager, she draws on the strengths of each individual and is constantly looking for ways to optimize processes. Her professional background gives her the essential skills to manage and coordinate work teams.
Mikael Gauvin, Director of Services, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions
mgauvin@gestionprovidentia.ca
Mr. Gauvin has worked in management for over 15 years. He holds a graduate diploma in business administration, an undergraduate diploma in human resources management and is a member of the Order of Social Workers. Mr. Gauvin stands out in particular for his interest in deploying strategies and processes that deliver quality, safe and efficient services.
►▼ See full profileIn his career, Mr. Gauvin has mainly worked as a senior executive, as General Manager, Assistant General Manager and Assistant Director. His work experience spans both private and public organizations, including the health and social services network. He was also a lecturer at Laval University’s Faculty of Medicine for several years.
Mr. Gauvin also has a proven track record in corporate reorganization, work process optimization, major corporate mergers, management supervision/development and project management. In addition, he has extensive experience in strategic planning and continuous improvement, with numerous projects in a wide range of fields.
Mylène Laurendeau, Director, Archives and Collections Service
mlaurendeau@gestionprovidentia.ca
Mylène Laurendeau has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Université de Montréal and a Certificate in Archival Studies (with high distinction) from the École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l’information. She started her career as an archivist for the Grey Nuns of Montreal and then became the Director, Archives and Collections Service for the Grey Nuns. Her professional career as an archivist and then manager has allowed her to develop solid experience in handling historical archive holdings, providing services to researchers, drafting multiple policies and procedures, disseminating archives, and managing a multidisciplinary team. As a member of the Gestion Providentia team, she provides consulting services in archives management.
►▼ See full profileAs Director, Archives and Collections Service, for the Grey Nuns, Mylène Laurendeau oversees the overall functioning of the Archives and Collections Service, plans and coordinates the work of employees and nuns, develops and drafts policies relating to the management of archives and collections, responds to internal and external research requests, handles the archive holdings according to Quebec’s archiving standards (Règles de description des documents d’archives), oversees interns, and coordinates the work of volunteers.
Before becoming Director, Archives and Collections Service, for the Grey Nuns and then joining the Gestion Providentia team in 2016, Mylène Laurendeau was an archivist with the Grey Nuns of Montreal from 2004 to 2016 as well as for the Society of the Priests of Saint-Sulpice in 2003.
Her non-work-related involvement also illustrates her enthusiasm and keen interest for her field. For example, she was a member of the Scientific Committee for the Guide d’accès aux archives religieuses published by the Québec Religious Heritage Council. For the past ten years, she has been a member of the Association des archivistes du Québec and the Regroupement des archivistes religieux.
She sits on the Archives Committee of the Québec Religious Heritage Council and is a board member and secretary for the Canadian Catholic Historical Association (CCHA). Since 2015, she has written the “Religious Archives” section of the CCHA newsletter.
Every day, this management team has the skilled support of a broader team of over 20 people.