Richard Martel

Early Life and Education

Richard Martel was born and raised in Chicoutimi, Quebec, a city in the heart of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region he would later champion in his political career. He pursued his post-secondary education at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, where he earned two bachelor's degrees. Before entering the world of professional hockey, Martel worked in the field of education. This background in education and his deep roots in his home region provided a foundation for his later work in community leadership and public service.

Hockey Coaching Career

Martel's hockey career began in earnest in 1990 when he started coaching in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He initially served as an assistant coach for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens under Jos Canale from 1991 to 1993. Martel was promoted to head coach of the Saguenéens in 1993, a role he held for much of the next two decades until 2011. His coaching tenure in the QMJHL was marked by significant success and recognition, establishing him as a major figure in Canadian junior hockey. On 28 February 2010, Martel achieved a historic milestone by coaching the Chicoutimi Saguenéens to a 3-1 victory over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. This win was his 570th in the QMJHL, surpassing the record previously held by Guy Chouinard to become the league's all-time winningest coach. His coaching excellence was formally recognized twice when he was awarded the Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL Coach of the Year. Following his QMJHL career, Martel coached professionally in Europe, with stints in Sweden and France, where he last coached the Grenoble Brûleurs de Loups in the Ligue Magnus. After returning to Quebec, Martel continued his involvement in hockey leadership. He served as the head coach of the Jonquière Marquis, leading the team to a league championship. He concluded his hockey career in an executive role, serving as the Commissioner of the Ligue nord-américaine de hockey.

Entry into Federal Politics

Richard Martel entered federal politics as a star candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada. On 20 December 2017, he was named the party's candidate for an upcoming by-election in the riding of Chicoutimi, Le Fjord. He was recruited by Antoine Tardif, a former player who served as the party's chief organizer in Quebec. Martel had previously been courted to run for mayor of Saguenay and for a seat in the National Assembly of Quebec, but he chose the federal arena. On 18 June 2018, Martel was elected as a Member of Parliament, winning the seat from the Liberal Party. Martel proved to be a durable representative for his riding, securing re-election in three subsequent general elections. He was re-elected in the 2019 Canadian federal election, again in 2021, and for a final term in the 2025 election. His consistent electoral success in a Quebec riding demonstrated his personal popularity and connection to the region, which remained a central theme throughout his political work.

Parliamentary Roles and Committee Work

During his eight years in the House of Commons, Richard Martel held several significant roles within the Official Opposition's shadow cabinet. On 2 September 2020, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole announced that Martel would serve as the party's Quebec lieutenant, a key liaison role between the party and the province, succeeding Alain Rayes. Martel served in this capacity until 8 November 2021, when Rayes resumed the position. Martel also served as the Official Opposition Critic for National Defence and as the Shadow Minister for Sport and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Martel was an active participant in the work of parliamentary committees, where much of the detailed legislative review and study occurs. His committee assignments reflected his critic portfolios and regional interests. He sat on the Standing Committee on National Defence, where he worked on files related to the Canadian Armed Forces and national security. He also served on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, engaging with policy matters crucial to many regions of Quebec and Canada.

Appointment to the Senate

On 7 July 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Richard Martel would be appointed to the Senate of Canada. Martel officially resigned from the House of Commons and the Conservative caucus on that same day to accept the appointment. He was formally summoned to the upper chamber by Governor General Louise Arbour on 24 July 2026. His swearing-in ceremony took place on 28 September 2026, where he was introduced as the Senator from Quebec, representing the division of Rougemont. His appointment created a vacancy in his former riding, triggering a by-election in Chicoutimi, Le Fjord which was won by Liberal candidate Daniel Gobeil. All newly appointed senators begin their terms as Independents before typically aligning with an existing Senate group. After a few weeks as an Independent, Martel announced on 6 October 2026 that he was joining the Conservative Senate group, thereby returning to the official Opposition caucus. Senate Opposition Leader Leo Housakos stated that Martel was a natural fit for the group.

Electoral Record as Member of Parliament

Richard Martel's electoral success in Chicoutimi, Le Fjord spanned four consecutive victories over seven years. He first won the seat in a 2018 by-election, taking it from the Liberal Party. He defended the seat in the 2019 general election, consolidating his hold as a Conservative MP in Quebec. Martel was re-elected again in the 2021 federal election, and he secured a final term in the 2025 election before his appointment to the Senate. His tenure demonstrated an ability to maintain voter support through multiple election cycles in a region not traditionally considered a Conservative stronghold. His departure from the House of Commons in July 2026 necessitated a by-election, which altered the political composition of his former riding. The Liberal Party's victory in the August 2026 by-election increased their majority in the House of Commons.

Policy Focus and Regional Advocacy

Throughout his political career, Richard Martel has been defined as a staunch supporter and advocate for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. His policy work in Parliament consistently emphasized issues of importance to Quebec's regions, particularly through his role as Shadow Minister for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. This focus aimed to address economic disparities and promote growth outside major urban centres. His deep personal and professional roots in Chicoutimi provided a strong foundation for this advocacy, ensuring regional concerns were voiced in Ottawa. Martel's other primary area of expertise was national defence and security, shaped by his tenure as the Official Opposition Critic for National Defence. In this role, he scrutinized government defence policy, spending, and operations. Upon joining the Senate, he immediately expressed his intention to contribute to the work of the national security, defence and veterans affairs committee.

Questions about Richard Martel

Who is Richard Martel?

Richard Martel is a Canadian politician and former ice hockey coach. He served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi, Le Fjord from 2018 to 2026. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada as a senator from Quebec, representing the Rougemont division, in July 2026 on the advice of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Before entering politics, he was a highly successful head coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1993 to 2011, where he became its all-time winningest coach.

What was Richard Martel's hockey career?

Richard Martel coached in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1990 to 2011, primarily as head coach of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He won the QMJHL's Ron Lapointe Trophy as Coach of the Year twice. On 28 February 2010, he secured his 570th league victory, setting the record for most wins by a coach in QMJHL history. After his QMJHL career, he coached professionally in Sweden and France, later serving as head coach of the Jonquière Marquis and as Commissioner of the Ligue nord-américaine de hockey.

What roles did Martel hold as an MP?

As a Conservative MP, Richard Martel held several senior opposition roles. He served as the party's Quebec Lieutenant from September 2020 to November 2021. He was also the Official Opposition Critic for National Defence and the Shadow Minister for Sport and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. He served on parliamentary committees including National Defence and Natural Resources.

How many times was Richard Martel elected?

Richard Martel was elected to the House of Commons four times. He first won the riding of Chicoutimi, Le Fjord in a June 2018 by-election. He was re-elected in the general elections of 2019, 2021, and 2025. His appointment to the Senate in July 2026 ended his tenure as an MP and triggered a by-election in his former riding.

What is Richard Martel's political affiliation?

Richard Martel is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. He was elected four times as a Conservative MP. Upon his appointment to the Senate in July 2026, he initially sat as an Independent. In October 2026, he formally joined the Conservative Senate group, aligning himself with the official Opposition caucus in the upper chamber.

When was Richard Martel appointed to the Senate?

Richard Martel was appointed to the Senate in July 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the appointment on 7 July 2026, and Governor General Louise Arbour officially summoned him on 24 July 2026. He was sworn in during a ceremony on 28 September 2026. Initially joining as an Independent, he later chose to sit with the Conservative Senate group, formally joining on 6 October 2026.

Sources and further reading

• Richard Martel (Wikipedia)
• Richard Martel | Prime Minister of Canada (pm.gc.ca)
• Meet Canada's newest senators 2026 (sencanada.ca)
• Richard Martel joins Conservative Senate group, returns to ... (cbc.ca)
• Martel returns to Conservative caucus, joins the Tory ... (ipolitics.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-27.