Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Pierre Mailloux Passes Away at 75

The renowned psychiatrist Dr. Pierre Mailloux, originally from Normandin in Lac-Saint-Jean, has passed away at the age of 75. He had received medical assistance in dying after three weeks of hospitalization. His close friend and columnist Réjean Tremblay confirmed the news, stating that Dr. Mailloux peacefully passed away at 11 am. He had been receiving treatment following complications from a kidney infection that had deteriorated over time.

Dr. Mailloux had a significant presence in the Mauricie region due to his psychiatry practice in the public healthcare system. Many of his patients in Louiseville, including the mayor Yvon Deshaies, held him in high regard. Deshaies described Dr. Mailloux as a direct and straightforward individual, appreciated for his honest and frank demeanor.

The mayor also mentioned their joint efforts in demanding a public inquiry into the tragic death of police officer Maureen Breau during an intervention. They had worked together after the incident, as Deshaies received a call from Dr. Mailloux on the following day. The suspect involved in the case, Michael Chicoine, had a history of psychiatric issues.

Although it may be premature to consider such a tribute, Deshaies did not rule out the possibility of adding Pierre Mailloux’s name to the toponymy of the city in the future. He expressed his hope that the city council would recognize Dr. Mailloux’s contributions and suggested naming something after him.

The CIUSSS de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec confirmed that Dr. Mailloux was still actively practicing psychiatry in their facilities. Temporary measures had been put in place to ensure ongoing care for his patients when his illness was known. The medical and professional teams will now collaborate to provide necessary care and treatment for his active patients.

Pierre Mailloux rose to public prominence in 1995 when he hosted the radio show ‘Un psy à l’écoute’ on CKAC in Montreal. Known for his controversial opinions and outspoken nature, he faced multiple disciplinary actions from the College of Physicians spanning from 2007 to 2020.

In a famous appearance on the television show ‘Tout le monde en parle’ in 2005, Dr. Mailloux faced criticism for his later comments on the intellectual quotient of Afro-American and Indigenous populations. His statements were widely denounced as racist, sparking immense controversy in the province.

Last year, he also directed derogatory comments towards drag queens in an episode of his podcast ‘Libres et sans tabous,’ referring to them as a ‘hideous caricature of women’.

Catherine Gaudreault, a radio host at 106.9 Mauricie, expressed mixed feelings upon hearing the news of Dr. Mailloux’s passing. She had collaborated with him from 2015 to 2020 on various radio programs and described him as hardworking, easygoing, and attentive to others.

Gaudreault admired his listening skills and his ability to prioritize the opinions and experiences of his guests. She acknowledged Dr. Mailloux’s dedication to marginalized individuals, such as the disadvantaged, children, and those with psychiatric conditions.

Josey Arsenault, Dr. Mailloux’s co-host for the past seven years, remembered him as someone with strong convictions and a sensitivity towards poverty. Arsenault plans to continue their podcast for now, and their next episode will be a special tribute to Dr. Mailloux.