Caroline Desbiens

Caroline Desbiens was born in L'Isle-aux-Coudres where her parents owned and operated a hotel, the Hôtel du Capitaine, founded in 1961.^[2] She attended Université Laval where she initially enrolled in French studies, but ultimately earned a bachelor's degree in industrial relations. After completing her degree, she spent a year studying literature and communications.^[2]

Upon completing her studies, Desbiens discovered an interest in singing and songwriting. She would often perform at the family hotel where she worked. Her music focussed on themes related to the local people, heritage, and geography.^[2][3] In 2003, she released an album, Sortir de l'eau.^[4]

Desbiens ran as the Bloc Québécois candidate for the riding of Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—Charlevoix in the 2019 federal election. During the campaign, some of her past social media posts attracted public attention. In a 2013 Facebook post, she expressed support for the Parti Québécois' proposed Charter of Quebec Values, warning that women might soon be forced to wear religious veils in public. In a 2016 post, she praised far-right French politician Marine Le Pen.^[5][6] She later apologized for her comments.^[7][8]

She won the election, defeating Conservative incumbent Sylvie Boucher.^[9] She was the first marsouine – a resident of L'Isle-aux-Coudres – to serve as a member of Parliament.^[1] She was re-elected in the 2021 election. During her first term, she served as the Bloc Québécois critic for culture before being appointed critic for fisheries, oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard in the party’s shadow cabinet for the 44th Parliament.^[10][11]

In the 2025 election, Desbiens was defeated by Conservative candidate Gabriel Hardy.^[12]