Martin is, above all, a man of principles and convictions. Born to a family of modest means in the Québec region of La Malbaie, Martin personally knows the values of family, community and hard work. It was these values that motivated him to enter public life, serve his country and work to make a positive difference.
Based on extensive experience in both government and the private sector, Martin today offers all Canadians a clear vision of the future of our country, one based on hope, inclusion and equality of opportunity.
An accomplished career
Martin Cauchon was first elected to political office in October 1993 in the federal riding of Outremont, Québec. In more than ten years in the public sector, he held many pivotal cabinet positions, including Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Québec), Minister of National Revenue (also responsible for Customs Canada), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister with political responsibility for Québec.
In addition, Martin Cauchon served on various cabinet committees, including the Committees on Economic Union and Social Union and the Special Ministerial Committee for Public Security and Anti-Terrorism.
As Secretary of State, Martin Cauchon devoted much of his energy to various economic development stakeholders in Québec. He assisted companies in meeting the challenges of the new economy and contributed to solidifying partnerships with the network of Community Futures Development Corporations.
When he was Minister of National Revenue, Martin Cauchon contributed to the transformation of the Ministry into the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. He also improved the management of research and development tax credits and tabled legislation to modernize Canada’s customs.
While serving as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Martin Cauchon devised the bill that led to the legalization of the same-sex marriages in Canada. He also introduced legislation that would prevent fraud on financial markets, establish criminal responsibility for corporations and their executives and decriminalize the use of marijuana.
Martin has a degree in civil law and a Masters in International Business Law from the University of Exeter in the U.K. Specializing in doing business with China and other Asia Pacific countries, he is the partner responsible for the China group at the Montreal law firm of Heenan Blaikie. He is also Vice Chairman of the Canada China Business Council.
Martin Cauchon lives in Montréal with his wife Dorine and their three children, Charles, François and Catherine.
