Montreal, July 31, 2020. –The President of the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP), Ms. Linda Caron, is proud to announce the nomination of Julie Martel to the position of Director General and of Jean-François Helms as Chief Organizer of the QLP, in preparation for the 2022 election campaign. This Friday morning the members of the Party’s Executive Committee voted unanimously in favour of Julie and Jean-François’ nominations.
Julie Martel, Director General of the QLP
Born and raised in Lac-Saint-Jean, Julie Martel holds a Bachelor’s of Political Science from the Université du Québec à Montréal. The mother of four who currently resides in the riding of Chauveau has a long history with the Quebec Liberal Party that speaks to her competence for the role. She first stood out as a volunteer during elections held in her then local riding of Jean-Talon, and later was recruited as an assistant to the organization at the QLP’s headquarters. Dynamic, competent and committed, she was then promoted to the position of regional coordinator for the QLP and thus travelled all across Eastern Quebec as she attended to the regions that were entrusted to her. In 2014, she left the Party headquarters to work as a political advisor within numerous ministerial cabinets. After a short stint in the private sector, Julie Martel became Chief of Staff to the Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy, Jean D’Amour. Until recently, she held the position of Director General of the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec. She is a genuine and determined person and it is with great pride that she returns to the QLP to actively take part in the change that the Québec Liberal Party’s new leader, Dominique Anglade, is breathing into the party.
Jean-François Helms, Chief Organizer of the QLP
Jean-François Helms has held many positions with the QLP and ministerial cabinets. He holds a Bachelor’s of Political Science from the Université de Montréal, and is currently completing a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) at Université Laval. He has been a supporter and has worked within the electoral and political sectors for close to 10 years. As a coordinator within the QLP’s Commission-Jeunesse and a regional coordinator for the Party, Jean-François worked to prepare the general elections held in 2012, 2014 and 2018, as well as the leadership campaign in 2012. At just 31 years of age, his track record is already quite impressive. He was a political advisor within the cabinets of Liberal ministers Sébastien Proulx and Robert Poëti between 2014 and 2018 and is always on the lookout for the latest global innovations within the political sphere. Jean-François also recently held the position of Chief Organizer for Dominique Anglade’s leadership bid. A long-standing party supporter, he is known for the relationships he has forged with supporters throughout the province, for his dedication and his excellent organization skills; qualities that are essential for his new responsibilities as the QLP’s chief organizer.
I have always placed a high level of importance on the ideas and demands of the citizens I met from various regions, both as a regional coordinator and as a political advisor, among others. My professional experience is a testament to my commitment to Quebec and I am honoured to be able to continue that dedication as Director General of the QLP.
– Julie Martel, Director General of the QLP
Whether we’re talking about grassroots work, activism, or the strategies involved in an election campaign and its preparations, politics has always been a passion of mine. As Chief Organizer, my responsibility will be to make every effort to ensure that we are all set for our 2022 target of winning the general election.
– Jean-François Helms, Chief Organizer of the QLP
Today, we are making another important step in the recognition of supporters within our political party. I know that with Julie, Jean-François and the entire team, we have the best people to lead us to the 2022 general election and ultimately form a Liberal majority government. I would also like to salute the work and commitment demonstrated by Véronyque Tremblay, the outgoing Director General and Chief Organizer, who was able to drive our party further forward. I want to thank all of the candidates who took part in this democratic process and who, like me, defend our liberal values. Now, let’s continue our work and present Quebecers with our vision to build the Quebec of tomorrow.
– Dominique Anglade, Leader of the QLP
The announcement we made today is great news for the Quebec Liberal Party. Julie and Jean-François will make a spectacular team to prepare the troops for 2022. I want to assure them of the support and collaboration of all of the bodies within our political party.
– Linda Caron, President of the QLP
Julie Martel was chosen following a hiring process which was held in accordance with the Quebec Liberal Party’s internal regulations. She is the successor to Véronyque Tremblay who had expressed the desire to take on new challenges. The new Director General will take office on Wednesday, August 12th. Jean-François Helms was appointed by the Executive Committee upon recommendation by the Party Leader and will assume his position immediately.
