Heartbreaking news about François Legault

• François Legault is going through a difficult time.
• He shared a long and moving account.
• In particular, he reflects on the values, sacrifices, and lessons that have shaped his journey.
• His message concludes with some particularly moving words. Read his tribute in the article.

An important chapter in François Legault's family life has just come to a close. Pauline Schetagne, his mother, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 97.

Although she always stayed out of the political arena, over the years Quebecers have come to know this woman to whom her son was deeply attached.

Living in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, west of Montreal, Mrs. Schetagne raised François Legault and his two sisters in modest circumstances. Primarily a stay-at-home mother, she also worked part-time at an A&P supermarket to help with family expenses. At home, education was a priority: a perfectionist and a strict parent, she closely monitored her children's schoolwork.

François Legault regularly spoke about his mother in public. During the 2012 election campaign, he even opened the doors of his childhood home to journalists. Several years later, in the midst of the health crisis, he would sometimes address a few words to her during his press briefings.

The former premier also shared a powerful message to his mother on social media.

Eternal Gratitude

François Legault has always shown deep gratitude toward his mother, highlighting the values she instilled in him and the sacrifices she made for her family.

Behind the public figure was a grateful son who never hesitated to acknowledge Pauline Schetagne's decisive influence on his personal and professional journey.

“Last night, my mother passed away. Everything I have today, I owe first and foremost to her. She was the one who instilled in me the values of hard work, effort, love, and respect. Our family wasn't rich. But my mother always made sure that my two sisters and I had everything we needed. My mother was a strong woman—a very strong woman. She was the one who arranged the financing for the purchase of our house. She was the one who organized our vacations by renting a cottage or going camping. She was the one who organized the Saturday night family get-togethers. We'd all watch the Canadiens game together, each with a bowl of chips and a Coke. Pure joy! Thanks to her, I had a happy childhood. And there's nothing more important in life,” says François Legault at the beginning of his message.

Important Values

Pauline Schetagne was deeply committed to family values and the importance of education. Demanding when it came to schoolwork and homework, she wanted to instill in her three children a love of hard work, discipline, and a job well done.

These principles have had a profound impact on François Legault throughout his life.

“Even though my mother didn't have the chance to go beyond 9th grade, she valued education. My two sisters and I had to get good grades in school. My mother was also a woman full of energy, a woman deeply involved in the community—in the school's volunteer organization, the Cercle des Fermières, the Club de l'Âge d'Or, and the clothing bank for the needy. And she was also a proud woman. She had been raised in the small French-speaking village of Old Pointe-Claire. And I often saw her at the Fairview Shopping Center insisting on being served in French,” he says, before concluding on a note of gratitude.

Acknowledgments and Condolences

“My father passed away young, at age 59. After his death, my mother chose to live alone in her home for over 40 years. Her greatest joy was having her children come over to play a game of Train Mexicain with her over coffee. I regret today that I didn't visit more often, especially during my years in politics. Mom, I tell myself that in the end you were suffering a lot and that it's better this way. But I can't believe I'll never see you again. Mom, thank you for everything! I'll always love you,” continues the Quebec businessman.

We offer our deepest condolences to François Legault, his two sisters, and the entire family and loved ones of Pauline Schetagne.

Our thoughts are with them during this time of mourning.