Pierre Caza has stepped away from his role as director general at the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent after five years at the helm of the regional government.
The 13 members of the regional council as well as the team at the MRC marked Caza’s departure on June 17 after his resignation was announced earlier in the spring.
In a statement, the MRC noted Caza’s tenure was distinguished by “unifying leadership, a strategic vision focused on the region’s vitality, and a clear commitment to balancing the development of key projects with sound resource management.” He successfully mobilized teams and ensured the continuity of services provided to the public while helping to strengthen the MRC’s organizational foundations and advance key initiatives for the region’s future.
During his time, Caza developed the MRC’s first strategic plan, and played a key role in making significant progress on the La Guerre River dam and pumping station project in collaboration with different regional and provincial partners.
“Mr. Caza guided the organization through a challenging environment with rigour and dedication. His contributions have laid a solid foundation for the future,” said MRC prefect Yves Métras. As the MRC continues to work on several strategic initiatives, including the revision of its land use and development plan, Caza’s departure will see the MRC transition towards a period of sustained development.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Caza explained that he had expected to stay with the MRC for three years when he was hired in May 2021. “I ended up staying for five, which, given the circumstances, is quite acceptable,” he said.
Caza took office a little over a year into the pandemic, during a time that was not easy for anyone. “Municipal organizations, including the MRCs, were facing specific management challenges,” he explained, such as virtual council meetings and remote work. He highlighted the cooperation from the team at the time as well as the work and support of assistant director general Chantal Isabelle as they worked together to structure the organization and carry out various projects.
Caza succeeded Laurent Lampron, who led a major financial and organizational restructuring of the MRC from 2018 to 2021. When he arrived, Caza promised to develop projects while preserving the MRC’s financial health.
He explained that the “harmonious and responsible development” of the MRC on all fronts has served as a guiding principle for his leadership. “The MRC’s financial situation is excellent,” he maintained, noting the organization’s external engagements with different ministries, regional tables, associations, unions, municipalities, and other MRCs have always been driven by a “deep desire to maintain sound financial conditions for our MRC and for other municipal organizations.”
The council resolved during its regular meeting on May 20 that Chantal Isabelle will serve as director general in the interim until a successor has been chosen. Potential candidates had until June 8 to signal their interest in the position.