born in chicoutimi, quebec, stéphane bédard is the son of marc-andré bédard. after studying administration at hec montréal (1987-1988), he received a bachelor's degree in law at the université de montréal in 1991 and was admitted in 1992 at the barreau du québec. he was a lawyer from 1992 to 1998 in chicoutimi. he was involved in politics during this period being the president of the parti québécois in chicoutimi from 1994 to 1998 and was a member of the yes committee for the 1995 referendum.