Steven Guilbeault
- Born
- June 9, 1970 — La Tuque in Haute-Mauricie
- Education
- Studied computer science in CEGEP (junior college), enrolled in industrial relations at the Université de Montréal in 1989. Switched his major to political science. He minored in theology.
- Career
- Founding member of Équiterre, director and campaign manager for the Greenpeace Quebec chapter for ten years, senior consultant for Deloitte and Touche
- Political Experience
- Minister of Canadian Heritage from 2019 to 2021, Minister of Environment and Climate Change from 2021 to 2025, and Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages in 2025. MP for Laurier–Sainte-Marie since 2019.
- Notable
- Scaled Toronto's CN Tower in 2001 as a Greenpeace activist. Sat on the climate change advisory committees of three successive Quebec governments.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Steven Guilbeault was a prominent environmental activist. In 1993, he co-founded Équiterre, a large environmental organization based in Quebec. He also served as the director and campaign manager for the Quebec chapter of Greenpeace for ten years. His public ethics declarations as a cabinet minister list various assets, including publicly traded securities in registered retirement savings plans and other investment accounts.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a senior cabinet minister, Steven Guilbeault is a key member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government. He maintains long-standing relationships within the Canadian environmental movement stemming from his career as an activist and his leadership roles at Équiterre and Greenpeace. These connections have reportedly shaped his approach as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2021, the Ethics Commissioner investigated a complaint regarding a meeting Steven Guilbeault held as Heritage Minister with a lobbyist for a group described as an advisory body to the Chinese government. The commissioner's report concluded that Guilbeault did not breach the Conflict of Interest Act. Separately, his department faced scrutiny for awarding a media training contract to a firm whose president had donated to the Liberal Party and worked on a past campaign for a Liberal minister, which raised questions about potential preferential treatment.
Public Controversies
Steven Guilbeault has been a frequent subject of public controversy, both for his past activism and his actions as a minister. His 2001 arrest after scaling Toronto's CN Tower as a Greenpeace activist is often cited by political opponents. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, he faced significant criticism over Bills C-11 (Online Streaming Act) and C-18 (Online News Act), with opponents raising concerns about government regulation of the internet and press freedom. As Environment Minister, he generated a major controversy in 2024 when he stated the federal government would stop investing in new "large road projects." He later clarified his remarks, stating that the government would continue to fund road maintenance and safety projects but would prioritize public transit. The initial comments drew sharp criticism, particularly from provincial premiers and opposition parties.
Where Steven falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Steven Guilbeault won with 27,286 votes (52.1%)
Total votes cast: 52,401
How does Steven Guilbeault's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ron Hallman on his retirement and thank him for his outstanding contribution to Parks Canada. Ron has been leading this iconic institution with vision and rigour since 2019, and he has worked hard to protect and promote our natural and cultural heritage. He has held a number of important positions throughout his career in the public service, and he has
No, not at all. I just want to remind everyone listening in that the cultural exception isn't just for Quebec. Francophonie exists from one end of the country to the other. Francophone culture is obviously extremely important, not only in Quebec, but also throughout the Canadian federation.
I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Prime Minister Thank you very much, Mr. Ambassador, for being with us today. Thank you as well for acknowledging, in your opening remarks, the mistake made regarding the invitation that was extended to members in English only. Thank you for correcting that. I think you heard, as I did, theacknowledge that this was unacceptable. I think we can take you at your word