(Montreal) Host Gino Chouinard bowed out on Friday morning, holding the helm of Salut Bonjour for one last time.
After 17 years of piloting the TVA morning show, the host chose to turn the page. According to data provided by the network, he will have hosted more than 3,800 episodes.
His last broadcast was marked by several touching moments spent with his colleagues. The tributes from Philippe-Vincent Foisy, in the news, and Sabrina Cournoyer, in culture, made him escape a few tears.
Prime Minister François Legault also addressed a few words to him in a pre-recorded video, praising his dedication, professionalism and good humor which have made waking up easier for many Quebecers over the years.
On the piano, Gregory Charles paid tribute to him in song. During this time, actress Guylaine Tremblay thanked him for having “made our culture shine”, opening the ball in a series of tributes paid by different public figures on the Quebec scene.
For his part, the big boss of Quebecor, Pierre Karl Péladeau, thanked him for having piloted TVA’s flagship morning show for so many years, stressing that getting up early in the morning for all these years is a matter of feat.
His family, including his mother, his partner and his children, joined him on stage for the last minutes of the show. Once again, emotions were running high for the main person concerned, and even more so when giving his final thanks.
Gino Chouinard announced his departure from Salut Bonjour in November 2022. At the time, he said he wanted to devote more time to new projects.
Before taking the helm of Salut Bonjour during the week, in 2007, Gino Chouinard hosted the weekend edition for four years.
It is also the current host of Salut Bonjour Weekend, Ève-Marie Lortie, who will succeed her during the week starting next fall.
