Late Bernard Lemaire had an estimated net worth of $8 million at the time of his death.
Advertisement
About Bernard Lemaire
Bernard Lemaire is a prominent figure in Canadian business, famous for being the Chairman of the Board of Cascades Inc.
His journey from the family recycling business to the helm of a multinational corporation reflects a lifetime dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and exemplary leadership.
In 1960, Bernard Lemaire embarked on his business journey by joining Drummond Pulp & Fibre, the family recycling business.

Photo Credit: Radio Canada
His entrepreneurial spirit manifested fully in 1963 when, alongside his father and brother Laurent, he co-founded Papier Cascades Inc., later known as Cascades Inc.
Advertisement
Assuming the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades Inc. until 1992, Lemaire steered the company through a remarkable period of expansion.
What started as a small paper mill in Kingsey Falls, Quebec, burgeoned into a multinational conglomerate with 90 plants and a workforce of 11,000 employees spanning Canada, the United States, and France.
His strategic acumen transformed Cascades into an industry leader.
In 1987, Canada acknowledged Lemaire’s outstanding contributions by conferring upon him the title of Officer of the Order of Canada.
This prestigious honor recognized a lifetime of achievement and distinguished merit. Furthermore, in 2002, he received the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur from France.
Cascades, under his guidance, became synonymous with responsible manufacturing practices in packaging, tissue, and fine paper products.
Lemaire, passed away on November 8, 2023, at the age of 87.


Leave a Reply