Quebec revealed that There will be some personnel changes as the management department of Lotto-Québec. The provincial council of ministers has elected Ann Macdonald as the Crown corporation’s next chair of the Board of Directors. Until now Ms. Macdonald has been part of the board ever since March 2019 and now, she will step into her new role.
Ms. Macdonald will have the tough task of helping out the Crown agency during one of its most difficult spells. The company endured heavy financial dips as its casino properties have been closed down due to the unprecedented situation of 2020. But the new chair’s qualification will prove vital in the recovery process for the agency.
New Chair
Yesterday on June 24, 2021, the provincial council of ministers announced that it has officially assigned Ms. Macdonald as the next chair of the Board of Directors of Lotto-Québec. Ms. Macdonald is more than qualified for the position as during her professional career she served as director of business development and sales, and director of project management at Bombardier Transportation.
President and chief executive officer of the Crown agency Jean-François Bergeron and the Board of Directors congratulated Ms. Macdonald on her newest promotion. Mr. Bergeron stated that the new Chair of the corporation has already put her skills, qualification, and strategic vision into the State service of society. Prior to her time at the Crown, she also served as a senior adviser at VIA Rail and chief operating officer at BONE Structure.
Ms. Macdonald will now take over the position from the current Chair of Board of Directors Héléne F. Fortin, who has been in the role ever since 2008. CEO Bergeron also thanked Ms. Fortin for her commitment to the Crown, as according to him she has shown immaculate attitude and consistency during her practice. He added that Ms. Fortin has demonstrated tremendous support to the corporation’s presidents.
The new Chair of the company will have to guide it towards the recent gaming expansion in the country. This week the Senate has officially passed Bill C-218, which will allow sporting and gambling fans to bet on individual sporting events. The Quebec regulator will be looking into taking advantage of the change in the Criminal Code, and will soon provide such offerings to its many players.
Property Reopening
Despite the turbulent last 15 months, Loto-Québec is now on its road to recovery as the Crown agency started to reopen its gaming facilities across the province. This was possible due to Quebec’s economic restart plan entering a new stage. Casino de Mont-Tremblant, and Salon de jeux de Québec are scheduled for a June 21 restart. Casino de Montréal will return at a later date on June 30.
FY 2020-21
The last year has been extremely difficult for Loto-Québec and the corporation’s published fiscal reports confirm just that. For the 2020-2021 fiscal year the agency recorded a significant drop in revenue, as for most of the year its gaming entities were prevented from work due to the unprecedented situation. For the last fiscal year, the company managed to generate only a third of its 2019-20 FY revenue.
