Sûreté du Québec set to have first-ever woman interim director general

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) will have a woman interim director general for the first time in the provincial police force’s history.

Quebec Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault announced the nomination of Johanne Beausoleil on Wednesday during the council of ministers at the province’s national assembly.

“It’s with pleasure that I take on this challenge,” said Beausoleil, a civilian who currently works with Montreal police.

During her career, Beausoleil previously held high-ranking positions at the province’s public security ministry and has worked at the SQ an an internal auditor. She studied at the province’s national police school and holds a master’s degree in public administration.

READ MORE: Sûreté du Québec head Martin Prud’homme suspended as criminal allegation investigated

The appointment of Beausoleil comes as the provincial police force has been facing internal turmoil. Guilbault described Beausoleil as a person who knows the SQ’s challenges and said she has confidence in her ability to lead the team.

“Ms. Beausoleil has all the qualities to take on this important role,” said Guilbault.

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Beausoleil will replace Mario Bouchard, who has been serving as interim head of the SQ since March. He recently announced he is retiring and that he will leave the position by the end of the year.

Bouchard had taken over the duties from Martin Prud’homme, who was suspended as director general in March pending a probe by the province’s police watchdog.

At the time, Guilbault said there was an allegation of a criminal nature against Prud’homme but did not provide details. No charges have been filed against Prud’homme.

READ MORE: Sylvain Caron sworn in as new Montreal police chief

The appointment of Beausoleil, who is not a police officer, comes as a breath of fresh air for the opposition parties in Quebec City.

“We think that in order to put a stop to the internal fights, to have a civilian’s perspective is interesting,” said Manon Massé, the co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire.

Beausoleil said her personal leadership style will also help her.

“I am known for having an approach that is based on interpersonal relationships and a great capacity to listen,” she said.

Beausoleil begins her new job on Dec. 2.

1:44 Upheaval at the Surete du Quebec

— With files from The Canadian Press