In 1997, he became the general manager of Le Pays de la Sagouine that was in its sixth season. It proved to be quite a challenge, not only because it did not have the personnel it has today, but it was quite a shock for Paul to find himself with only three full-time employees, including himself, after having spent all those years in the education system with computers and support staff.

Over the years, the Pays de la Sagouine has become a major tourist attraction and the team has grown. Today, the Pays de la Sagouine is in its 14th season and has an administrative and artistic team. The administrative staff includes five full-time employees working 12 months a year. During the peak season, there are over 150 employees, making the Pays de la Sagouine quite a large employer for a municipality like Bouctouche, with significant economic spin offs. And this is quite an accomplishment in the arts and culture sector that was not as popular 15 years ago. People are now discovering their roots and the importance of preserving their heritage.

As a major tourist attraction, the Pays de la Sagouine has become a key player in the growth of the tourism industry in the Kent Region. Many improvements have been made over the years to the island, the mainland that includes most recently the expansion of the restaurant and theater, the expansion of the kitchen, the construction of a new administrative building, as well as moving the offices in order to make room for the restaurant and theater’s growing needs. This infrastructure is critical to grow as a major attraction in the region and to contribute to the promotion of the Acadian culture as a large attraction for visitors on a global scale.

One of the most gratifying aspects of Paul’s job is the friendship that has developed with Antonine Maillet, author and creator of the most famous theatrical Acadian character, La Sagouine. Paul adds that it is very important that the administrative team, the artistic direction and the author have the same vision. Daniel Castonguay, the artistic director, has now produced several of Antonine Maillet’s plays, since all scripts are written by the author. It is team work from beginning to end – from the idea and concept levels to the finished product including the administration, marketing, artistic input, restaurant, comedians, etc.

What is also gratifying for Paul is the great feeling of having participated in the production of a very successful show. Le Pays de la Sagouine has a lot of local and regional support from the population. In 2004, about 85% of the 9,000 spectators who attended the mega-show, l’Odyssée, were from the region. In 2005, of the 85,000 visitors, 40,000 were from Québec and the majority of the others were from New Brunswick. Paul confirms that the majority of the 6,000 people who attend the Christmas dinner-theater, which is now in its fifth year, are local people. Le Pays de la Sagouine has become one of the major show producers in New Brunswick.

Creation and innovation have become very important elements. We must continuously develop innovative ways to meet the needs of our clientele, especially the season ticket holders who visit the site on average of 17 times per season. There are some local people who visit Le Pays de la Sagouine every day during the summer. Many new features were added in 2005, especially the presence of aboriginals on the site and many activities geared toward children. Le Pays de la Sagouine is also involved in tours with its comedians.

The reproduction of the original series of monologues by La Sagoune is the main project for 2006. They were televised for the first time in 1977 and people still can’t get over the fact that 30 years later, the same character that is the most famous Acadian role in Acadia is still being played by the same person, Viola Léger. These monologues are as popular today as they were 30 years ago and it is amazing that we can hear the same words and find the same wisdom and the same truths that are still relevant to this day. The shooting of the monologues will begin at the end of this year and the series will be broadcasted in the fall of 2006.

When Paul heard that he was receiving the Manager of the Year Award, he smiled and said: “I appreciate it very much; it feels good to be recognized. However, is it me that is being recognized or the product?” In fact, if the product is successful, it is because there is someone who manages it and it is the personnel, the entire team, who is to be commended. The secret is to surround yourself with good people who make you look good.

According to Paul; one of the main qualities of a good manager is to enjoy the contact with the public and to represent your business organization properly. He is involved in many tourist associations and is the past president of the Commission du tourisme acadien du Canada atlantique. However, he admits that to be in charge of such an organization is very demanding. When he’s not at Le Pays de la Sagouine, Paul likes to take nature walks and visit his two grown children, Denis and Julie, who are his pride and joy.