As spokesperson for the City of Montreal, Philippe Sabourin has to know everything about garbage disposal, potholes and snow removal.
It may not be the most exciting thing to talk about, but over the years Sabourin has become known for his exuberance in explaining city operations.
He pinpoints the start of his current role to the chaotic pile-up on Côte du Beaver Hall on Dec. 5, 2016, following a snowfall. Videos of the slow-motion collision, showing buses, police cars and even tow trucks sliding down the hill and running into one another went viral around the world.
At that time, the city didn't have a spokesperson to explain what caused the chain of events.
- READ MORE: Watch buses, trucks and a police car collide in snowy Montreal
"The city realized an organization with 28,000 people needed a spokesperson to be the voice and image of the city," he said in an interview with CTV News.
Until that point, Sabourin had been working as a press officer for the city. Once he got the spokesperson job in March 2017, he had to immerse himself in the finer details about potholes, garbage disposal, and the biggest file — snow removal.
He said fortunately he’s a curious person and has a good team around him.
"I'm in touch with people who show me their work, so I'm always learning from them. And I now understand some complex situations. And it's always, always joyful to share my knowledge with citizens," said Sabourin.
He also has to explain these situations in two languages, and over the years he said his English has improved.
"I still have got this accent. But I'm not afraid to make a mistake. So, I take the risk. And at the same time, I'm learning every day," he said.
Communications always came naturally to him, he said. He grew up in Montreal and from a young age he loved to perform. He did improvisation in high school and hosted a radio show in college.
He said it’s also helped him when he has to deliver bad news on behalf of the city.
"It's easy for me to be sincere, to present excuses for the city, to explain how we will improve the situation," said Sabourin.
His style has garnered him some attention, including from Montreal’s mayor, Valérie Plante.
"I feel like public servants don’t often get the credit they should receive, and Mr. Sabourin is a great guy, a good communicator, and it’s a pleasure to work with him," Plante said.
Sabourin said even if his work sometimes involves being criticized or blamed for things beyond his control, he still considers it the best job in the city.
