Our Stories

Martin Legault was just 28 when his life was turned upside down. First by the sudden loss of vision in one eye. Then he began to lose feeling in his feet and legs. Soon after, doctors delivered the diagnosis that would change his life: multiple sclerosis (MS).

“It was a shock. I didn’t know if I would walk again.”

At the time, Martin was young, driven, and in love. He and his girlfriend, Melanie, had been together for nine years. They were building their careers and dreaming about the future. But that future suddenly felt uncertain. In what he describes as an emotional moment of truth, Martin offered Melanie a choice.

“I told her that if she decided to leave, I would understand. I wasn’t sure what a future with MS held.”

Melanie chose to stay. Now, 22 years later, their bond is stronger than ever. Together, they’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised two daughters — Manue, now 19, and Flavie, 17. Their relationship is one of adventure, resilience and love. 

From resilience to leadership

Over his 26-year career with Medavie Blue Cross, Martin advanced from underwriting — where he assessed risk and set premiums — to a leadership position responsible for pricing and financial forecasting across Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada.

Today, as Assistant Vice President of Actuarial and Underwriting, he uses his expertise in risk and financial planning to shape strategy, drive innovation, and improve service for members.

Where the journey began: Nature, friendship, and resilience

Martin grew up in Val-d’Or, a small town about 600 kilometres north of Montreal. Surrounded by lakes and forests, he developed a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.

He still remembers catching his first big fish at just six years old, with his dad by his side. But more than the catch, it was the peaceful sounds of nature that stayed with him.

“It’s very relaxing, and it’s why I spend most of my vacations camping.”

Martin remains close with friends he made growing up. That circle expanded when he moved to Montreal to study, a transition that wasn’t easy. But those lifelong relationships helped him adjust and continue to be a strong support system for him today.

After his MS diagnosis in 2003, family, friends, and colleagues rallied around him. One co-worker even carried files between Medavie’s downtown office and Martin’s home so he could keep working.

Martin has taken his commitment to MS advocacy beyond the bike. He served as Chair of MS Canada’s Quebec Division and, more recently, as a national board member, helping to advance research, raise awareness, and work toward a future free of MS.

Medavie’s sponsorship of the MS Bike Tour in Quebec, combined with funds raised by employees, has contributed more than $1 million to MS Canada. 

“This ride is about so much more than cycling. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing 60 of us out there in our Medavie Blue Cross jerseys. You’re not just raising funds — you’re building a community.”

When asked what the continued support from Medavie and his colleagues means to him, Martin smiles. 

“When a client receives a renewal at the right price, they’re able to continue using their plan — and that means more people can get the support and services that improve their quality of life.”

And the impact doesn’t end there. “We also give a portion of our net income to the Medavie Foundation. Those funds go directly to community initiatives that promote physical and mental wellbeing. It’s a full circle — from our everyday work to real change in people’s lives.”

As a leader, Martin strives to stay positive in the face of challenges and help others feel good about themselves. He believes listening is key.

“Becoming a better listener helps me understand the realities of my colleagues — and break barriers.”

Jonathan Arbour, Vice-President, Actuarial & Underwriting, has worked closely with Martin and seen firsthand the impact of his leadership on people and performance. 

This mindset shaped his role on Medavie’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, which laid the foundation for a culture where everyone — employees and clients alike — feels valued and respected. The council helps guide organizational priorities and daily decisions, creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged but celebrated.

Where the heart is: Music, family, and connection

Outside of work, Martin’s life is filled with camping, fishing, and food. He enjoys gatherings with friends and family that bring laughter and music into his home.

In his twenties, Martin was a drummer — long hair and all — in a punk band called Premium Plus, named after the crackers. He still plays percussion instruments at home and loves to attend live concerts (The Tragically Hip was a favourite.)

Family remains at the heart of Martin’s life. His greatest joy comes from being part of his daughters’ lives as they grow. This past summer, the family celebrated several milestones — one daughter finishing secondary school, the other completes CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel). Adding to the celebrations, Martin and Melanie marked their shared 50th birthdays with a memorable trip to Spain and France.

A highlight of their journey as a couple was reaching the breathtaking 6,000-metre summit of Mount Kilimanjaro — the “roof of Africa” after a gruelling seven-day trek in 2011.

Despite the progression of his MS, Martin continues to go into the office a couple of times a week to stay connected. At his encouragement, MS Canada’s Quebec Division — which had been without a physical office — now shares workspace within Medavie’s corporate offices in downtown Montreal. For Martin, it was a simple gesture with a powerful message: building community and support for others living with MS.

Facing the future and living fully 

Martin continues to live with the effects of MS, including visible challenges with walking. One of the hardest parts of the disease, he explains, is its unpredictability. 

“That’s the toughest part of this disease — there’s no prognosis. It can stay the same for years, or it can change. You just don’t know.”

Now living with partial paralysis, Martin faces each day with realism and gratitude.

“We can’t ignore the future, but the past is past — and I choose to fully enjoy what I’m doing now.”

He has no plans to slow down. In fact, he recently took up wheelchair basketball, staying true to his lifelong love of sports. And he’s not thinking about retirement anytime soon.

And with every ride, every conversation, and every challenge faced, Martin keeps moving forward. He may not know what the future holds, but he meets each day with gratitude — and a deep commitment to living fully, working fully, and giving back.