No one, it is said, is indispensable in this world. We know, however, that there is nothing more false. Whether in our personal lives or for certain positions, let’s say, more sensitive than others.
This is the case with Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec. The announcement of his departure in April, two years before the end of his mandate, represents a major loss for the state-owned company.
With an elegance coupled with a good strategic instinct, Ms. Brochu refrained from expressing the slightest disagreement with Pierre Fitzgibbon, the super minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy.
Political transition
By silencing any dispute, Sophie Brochu ensured a peaceful exit for herself and the state-owned company. And for his or her successor, a political transition that is as stable as possible.
The fact remains that the outgoing CEO and Minister Fitzgibbon differed in vision regarding the main challenge that Hydro–Québec will have to meet: the energy transition.
On the one hand, the government seems tempted by a new phase of hydroelectric exploitation to help bridge the wealth gap with Ontario, which Premier François Legault often talks about.
On the other hand, Ms. Brochu said she refused to see Quebec become a Dollarama of energy at a discount for businesses. The disagreement was deep.
Unequal weapons
What’s more, the Legault government has just been massively reappointed for a second term. For Sophie Brochu, an experienced manager, the message became crystal clear.
Either that faced with a government so strong, popular and accountable to the people, openly confronting it on the very orientations of Hydro-Québec would have been, by definition, a losing battle.
In terms of political and decision-making power, despite even Ms. Brochu’s proven skills, the two protagonists were simply not on equal terms. Hence the relieved air of the Prime Minister this Wednesday when he appeared to react to the announcement of the departure of Sophie Brochu.