Éric Bédard is a Partner and Leader of Strategic Advisory Services at Fasken. He is a business strategist who provides trusted guidance to companies navigating reputational, regulatory and institutional challenges in Canada and internationally. His distinguished career at the firm includes a decade of leadership as Managing Partner for the Québec Region and as a member of Fasken’s Board of Directors and Global Management Committee (2011–2023), where he played a key role in shaping the firm’s vision and expanding its outreach.
His practice, which focuses on administrative law and strategic counsel, benefits from his extensive experience in labour law and energy law. His deep knowledge of strategic sectors, combined with his understanding of economic and political dynamics, enables him to provide accurate insights into high-profile matters involving institutional stakeholders.
Moreover, his background in government, including serving as assistant to the chief of staff to the Premier of Québec, equips him to navigate the public sector and decision-making processes with confidence. Drawing on this valuable experience with institutional processes, he effectively assists businesses in complex and sensitive contexts.
For example, Éric is actively sought after to:
- support foreign companies establishing operations in Canada and assist Canadian companies expanding internationally and entering new markets
- advise stakeholders planning large-scale projects in complex strategic environments involving regulatory, commercial and political issues
- provide counsel on the adoption and implementation of legislative frameworks aligned with organizational objectives and compliance requirements
- manage institutional and government relations, particularly during crises or in sensitive or rapidly changing contexts
- provide counsel in public inquiries with significant reputational impact, which also entail strategic positioning and social acceptability considerations
Known for his clear judgment, extensive network and ability to understand all aspects of an issue, Éric defends business interests and facilitates their acceptance by stakeholders across all spheres of society.
Éric serves on several boards of directors. Most notably, he has chaired the board of Montréal International since 2024 and is a board member of the Montreal Heart Institute.
Éric’s strong community spirit is reflected in his active involvement in many charitable causes.
