The Visionary Legacy of Gabriel Buisson, the Francophone Touch of America
A Quebec Saga of Innovation and Resilience
The story of Laurentide is a true saga of determination, boldness and innovation. Since its founding in 1950 by Gabriel Buisson, a visionary from Shawinigan, the company has built itself on continually surpassing boundaries and has established itself as a symbol of Quebec-success.
Driven by a fierce will to succeed, Gabriel Buisson became one of the first major francophone entrepreneurs in Quebec, forging the innovation path that still runs in our veins today.
A Pioneer Among the Greats
Gabriel Buisson, a visionary from Shawinigan then working at Shawinigan Chemicals, emerged as a pioneer in the business world by breaking the barriers imposed on francophone entrepreneurs. At a time when access to specialised education was limited for francophones, he completed a correspondence course in chemistry offered only in English—demonstrating from the very start his spirit of perseverance and innovation.
Gabriel Buisson stands as a builder alongside emblematic figures such as Jean Coutu, Pierre Péladeau, Paul Desmarais or Joseph-Armand Bombardier. These men helped to shine the light on francophone entrepreneurship at a time when few believed in it. Their vision helped to transform Quebec’s economic landscape and to inspire future generations.
In a context where most major companies in Quebec were led by anglophones or foreign interests, he distinguished himself as one of the first major francophone entrepreneurs in Canada.
An Untold Anecdote, a Lasting Link
A little-known fact: a young lawyer from Shawinigan named Jean Chrétien, future Prime Minister of Canada, served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the company in its early years. He even drafted the first statutes and regulations of the founding charter of Société Chimique Laurentide. A respectful relationship developed between the two men, who remained on good terms throughout their lives. They also shared privileged moments on the private golf course of the founder, Le Mémorial in Shawinigan — a testament to a sincere friendship between two prominent figures of the region.
Even today, his path toward innovation and his battle to gain a place in the business world remain a true source of inspiration: that of courage to innovate in the face of adversity.
The Sustainable Vision of André Buisson
Today, André Buisson, son of the founder, continues with conviction the work initiated 75 years ago. Proud of his roots, deeply attached to Quebec’s francophone culture and driven by a constant desire to evolve the company, he has preserved the entrepreneurial heritage while infusing it with a vision of sustainable innovation.
This vision became more refined through significant encounters, notably with Normand Maurice, considered the father of recycling in Quebec. A humanist and pioneer in sustainable development, Normand Maurice profoundly influenced the trajectory of Société Laurentide. Founder of Peintures Récupérées du Québec Inc., he shared values and a philosophy perfectly aligned with those of André Buisson.
From this affinity arose a major transformation: the company committed to the recovery of paint and the creation of a 100 % responsible product, the Boomerang paint.
Throughout his career, André Buisson helped to shape mindsets by placing environmental responsibility at the heart of corporate culture. This commitment manifested well beyond the organization’s walls: he is one of the founding members of Éco-Peinture, where he still serves on the Board of Directors—a significant involvement in establishing a collective system for paint recovery and recycling in Quebec.
This ambition to valorise residual materials also led to the creation of Laurentide Environment, a subsidiary of Laurentide entirely dedicated to the revalorisation of end-of-life products and the concrete implementation of the circular economy.
Under André Buisson’s leadership, the company expanded its field of action, focusing on responsible innovation, manufacturing performance and the integration of sustainable practices.
Recognised for its manufacturing and architectural paint solutions, Laurentide Paint has also established itself as a global leader in the revalorisation of post-consumer paint. Through its subsidiaries it embodies a sustainable development model that shines far beyond the boundaries of Quebec and is now a reference at the international scale.
The Third Generation: a Committed Continuity
Today, succession is assured. Félix Buisson, grandson of the founder, joined the company’s leadership as Executive Vice-President. Driven by the same passion, he embodies a new generation of leadership focused on product performance, profitability and environmental responsibility.
He works to integrate the principles of circular economy across the entire product range, for both the manufacturing and architectural sectors.
In doing so, Félix Buisson is committed to continuing this inter-generational project with modernity and ambition, so that Peinture Laurentide remains a Quebec jewel recognised across Canada for its expertise, its performance and its sustainable commitment.
Looking Back to Move Forward
It is with pride that we pay tribute to Gabriel Buisson, a pioneer whose vision continues to inspire each of our actions. Firmly rooted in its history, but fully committed to the future, Laurentide and its subsidiaries continue their evolution while remaining true to the values that forged their identity: innovation, resilience and commitment to community and environment.