Montreal’s airwaves took a hit this week when sports commentator Yanick Bouchard was pulled from 98.5 FM after firing off an indecent message to Quebec’s Tourism Minister, Caroline Proulx. The Cogeco-owned station acted swiftly, suspending Bouchard on May 2, 2025, following public outcry over the comment, which landed like a sucker punch during a sensitive moment for the minister.
The incident unfolded when Bouchard, known for his brash takes on sports, left a vulgar remark under an Instagram post by Proulx. The minister had shared a photo from her mother’s funeral, a deeply personal moment that drew condolences from colleagues and constituents. Bouchard’s message, described by sources as crass and wildly inappropriate, sparked immediate backlash. By the afternoon of May 2, Cogeco confirmed Bouchard’s suspension, stating he was off the air indefinitely pending a review. The station issued no further details on the comment’s exact wording, but the fallout was clear: Bouchard was out, and the controversy was front-page news.
Proulx, a Liberal MNA for Berthier, has served as Quebec’s tourism minister since 2018, navigating the province through a rocky post-pandemic recovery. Her office declined to comment on the incident, but Bouchard’s apology surfaced later that day. In a statement released through 98.5 FM, he expressed regret for his “inappropriate” remark, calling it a lapse in judgment and offering a direct apology to Proulx. The mea culpa did little to cool the firestorm, as listeners and public figures slammed the commentator for crossing a line.
This isn’t the first time 98.5 FM has faced heat. The station, a staple of Montreal’s talk-radio scene, has weathered controversies involving other personalities in recent years, raising questions about its culture. Cogeco, which operates multiple stations across Quebec, emphasized that Bouchard’s views were his own and not reflective of the company’s values. The broadcaster promised a thorough investigation but stopped short of saying whether Bouchard’s suspension could become permanent.
The episode has reignited debates about accountability in media, especially for figures like Bouchard, whose off-the-cuff style often blurs the line between bold and reckless. For now, the sports commentator’s chair at 98.5 FM sits empty, and listeners are left wondering if he’ll ever return.
Bouchard was suspended on May 2, 2025. Proulx has been Quebec’s tourism minister since October 18, 2018. Cogeco Media owns 98.5 FM.