The team is growing! (August 2023)

Mathieu Sauvé, Security Coordinator

Mathieu has been with the Port of Montreal for over five years, but it was only recently that he officially joined MPA ranks. His new position is with the Port Protection Division instead of Garda. What’s new in his duties? “In practical terms, I’ll be spending more time on administrative tasks than in the field,” he said. Specifically, he will be working closely with IT to computerize and improve procedures, such as systems for port access cards, administer dispatch platforms for the Harbour Master’s Office, patrol boats and inspectors, and manage incident reports and user accounts.

Is he happy with his new position? “Yes,” he said, equally happy with the stability and the challenge of learning new procedures and techniques.

While always appearing calm, Mathieu shared that in his youth he was quite hyperactive by nature. He spent most of his free time in sports, from field hockey to football, baseball, soccer, skiing and more. “I was outside all the time!” he said. “I wasn’t often in front of the TV or video games.” Even now, if you’re looking for him at lunchtime, you’ll probably find him at the CrossFit club!

Samuel Desbiens, Electrical Technician

With 20+ years under his belt as an electrician, Samuel worked in a number of areas—including construction and the municipal sector—before embarking on a career in the marine sector. “It’s a whole new world,” he said. “Here, railroads, ships and connections are all new to me. But the job basics are still the same.”

What does he like about electricity? “I like the abstract side,” he said. “You can’t see or touch electricity, and a lot of people are afraid of it. I like the challenge of learning and finding solutions to problems.”

On the personal side, Samuel is a keen scuba diver, whether in the exotic seas of the South - “wonderful destinations” - or closer to home in Quebec lakes or the St. Lawrence River. He also mentioned interesting experiences in old quarries or underwater trails that include submerged planes, ships or statues. “Just like the Botanical Garden, but underwater,” he said. Where does this passion come from? “It’s something I’d always wanted to do. Then one day I plucked up the courage and took the plunge! It’s an incredible feeling of freedom for me.”

Patrick Kelly, Technician, Building and Mechanical Maintenance

Holder of a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) in heavy machinery, Patrick had six years of experience in the mechanical sector before joining the team. He comes to us with knowledge of the Port of Montreal, having previously worked on ship repairs for Mount Royal Walsh. “I had no trouble finding my way around,” he said.

What’s the biggest difference here from his previous experience? “You really get to touch everything,” he said. “Our tasks are really varied and change every day.”

On the subject of his passions, Patrick is a fan of ice hockey, which he has been playing since he was three years old. But even though he’s been playing all his life, he shared that these days, he’d rather “coach than play,” which he does with players in the U13 category. “It’s a great age,” he said. “They can make spectacular progress in a short time and are often highly motivated.”

When it comes to traveling, Patrick is partial to road trips. A particular favourite? “Mount Washington,” he said. “It’s really worth it, but you better not be afraid of heights!”

Mario De Repentigny, Technician, Building and Mechanical Maintenance 

When it comes to industrial mechanics, Mario comes to us with a track record as long as his arm, including 20 years of service at La Ronde as a ride mechanic, plus varied experience in the building sector, in pulp and paper mills, in hydraulics... “I’ve had my hands in everything! I’ve done it all,” he said.

He revealed that he had applied for a job at the Port of Montreal 17 years ago, but was turned down for lack of experience. The opposite is true today... With his eclectic experience, Mario is being asked to train the next generation. “And I love training! The team is young and everyone is fun”.

In his spare time, Mario has been a motorcycle enthusiast since he was 17. He even has a workshop at home, and specializes in Harley Davidson repairs! And in winter, he loves to ride his snowmobile through the snow-covered landscapes of Vermont and Lac Saint-Jean.

Philippe Dumont, Engineering Advisor, Contrecœur project

Trained in civil engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, over the past six years Philippe has had the opportunity to work on several major projects in Greater Montreal, including the REM and the Turcot interchange. “I’m passionate about big projects,” he said. “I love the hands-on aspect of civil engineering: you see the tangible results of your work right away.”

So when he heard about the Contrecœur project, he didn’t hesitate. “It’s unlikely that I’d be able to contribute to a project of this scale anywhere else,” he said. “I’m aware that I’m taking part in something historic. We’re starting from scratch and everything has yet to be built.”

On a personal level, Philippe described himself as dynamic, expressive and bursting with energy and enthusiasm. Has he always been this way? “Not at all,” he shared. In his youth, he was rather reserved and quiet... until he landed a job as a salesman in a sports store. “If I wanted to sell, I had no choice but to open up!” As for his personal passions, Philippe is a very active man who enjoys cycling and skiing, whose fondest memories include ski trips to the Alps and the Rockies.

Jean-Pierre Kneppert, Procurement Advisor 

Jean-Pierre has been lending a hand in Procurement since 2021, but it was only recently that he officially joined MPA ranks full-time. Trained as an urban planner, Jean-Pierre spent several years working for engineering firms before branching out into the field of procurement. In a career spanning 25+ years, he has had opportunities to work in many facets transportation: mass transit, rail projects (notably for CN), and now the port sector.

Jean-Pierre describes himself as someone who loves to learn and ask questions. Just as well, since his mission is to support all MPA teams, especially the professional and technological departments, in their dealings with suppliers. He works as much with railways as with the Harbour Master’s Office, engineering, communications and marketing... “I learn something new every day. I learn something new every day,” he says.

On the personal front, Jean-Pierre is an avid traveler. What are his favourite destinations? Europe, where he loves museums, culture and, above all... gastronomy! He also confided that he’s a big fan of comic books, a passion he’s had since he was seven years old. “I’ve got nearly a thousand of them at home. They keep the mind young!”

Welcome to the team!