Luc Vigneault

Speaker, educator, peer supporter, and patient partner with research teams—Luc Vigneault has dedicated his life to fighting the stigmatization of people with mental health disorders and advocating for high-quality care.

Having dealt with schizophrenia, depression, and addiction from an early age, he has transformed his personal struggle into experiential knowledge and wisdom filled with hope and empowerment.

A Québec pioneer in mental health peer support, he contributed decisively to the acceptance and recognition of what is now considered a mental health best practice. He was the first patient partner to serve on a doctoral thesis committee, at the University of Bordeaux.

In 1998 he became the first patient partner in mental health research. As a researcher, he can provide a unique perspective based on lived experience. In the ensuing years he’s been part of dozens of research teams around the world, adding to the legitimacy of their work for the benefit of his peers. He has written books on mental health, contributing to 14 published scientific articles.

For more than two decades he has been helping prepare future mental health professionals, working with thousands of students in Québec and internationally. He is a seasoned communicator, carrying his message throughout society—to universities, clinics, and into the community. His social engagement, notably with Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, and the World Health Organization are nothing short of remarkable.

His initiatives have twice been recognized by the National Assembly of Québec, in 2019 and 2023. He also received the 2009 Prix Hommage from Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec. 

Université Laval awards an Honorary Doctorate in Pharmacy to Luc Vigneault in recognition of his scientific and societal contributions to improved mental health care.