Former Radio-Canada and Videotron exec Stéphanie Paquette has been appointed as regional commissioner for Quebec at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a five-year term.

Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge announced the appointment on Tuesday (Nov. 14), with Paquette (pictured) to assume her role effective Nov. 23

The role of Quebec commissioner was previously held by Alicia Barin, who was appointed as the CRTC’s vice-chairperson, broadcasting in February. Her term as Quebec commissioner was originally set to expire on Aug. 11, 2024.

Paquette comes to the role with 30 years of experience in the media industry. For the past 13 years, she has been leading acquisitions and multiplatform distribution of television channels and entertainment applications at Quebecor-owned cable company Videotron, first as director then as senior director.

Prior to joining Videotron, she held several roles at Radio-Canada, and “played a pioneering role in the development of digital platforms” during her 11 years there, according to a news release. She also served as a legal counsel for the public broadcaster.

Paquette’s experience includes a nearly three-year stint as director of business relations at Salambo Productions. She has also been a member of CTAM Canada’s board of directors since November 2022.

“With her extensive experience in private and public broadcasting, the digital media sector and law, Stéphanie Paquette will be a great asset to the Commission,” said St-Onge in a statement, adding that her appointment “will ensure the Commission has all the different expertise and perspectives it needs at the table.”

Photo courtesy of Department of Canadian Heritage