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Pulp and paper’s future leaders: Meet Alexandre Garon

The future of the pulp and paper industry is in good hands!

Armed with a strong work ethic, initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to training and safety, the 2022 winners of our Top 10 Under 40 program are positioned to take the industry forward.

Whether they work in leadership, operations, maintenance, support or human resources, these pulp and paper employees are highly regarded by their colleagues and peers.

To highlight the achievements of each individual selected for the Top 10 Under 40 list, Pulp & Paper Canada will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks. Nominations for the 2023 contest open at the end of the year.

This week, we introduce Alexandre Garon, senior human resources manager at Cascades in Cabano, Que.

Alexandre Garon started at the Cascades Cabano plant in 2015 as a human resources manager after spending two years in different units within the company. This was during a period of significant change for Cascades and the Cabano plant.

“I knew right then that there would be some organizational challenges to overcome. Alexandre was instrumental in supporting the management team in its improvement efforts with respect to the new ERP.

To date, Alexandre’s greatest achievements include the implementation of a strong OHS culture in view of the migration towards employee interdependence and accountability. He participated in the implementation of several organizational changes in different sectors of the Cabano plant, including the establishment of a new human resources structure at the steam plant, facilitating the achievement of class #1 steam plant operators grades for all operators and the stabilization of the workforce in this sector. He also carried out the progression line modification at the paper machine, so that each employee is in the right position according to their respective profile.

Alexandre worked in collaboration with the Centre d’Étude Professionnelle de Rivière-du-Loup to maintain the pulp and paper training program for the plant’s new employees.

For the past year, Alexandre, as a senior human resources manager, has accepted additional responsibilities at the business unit level. He has supported three other Cascades plants as energies are focussed to prepare an important start-up. He has greatly contributed to the improvement of the hiring process in these three plants to improve their respective teams.