graduating from the food trade school, clermont was for 23 years the owner of a local supermarket as well as a butcher. in 1986, he became an investment manager. he was also a city councillor for the laval city council for 20 years prior to his jump to provincial politics. he was the leader of the opposition for that city for 16 years. in addition, clermont was a member of the knights of columbus and the canadian cancer society.