Former Salut Bonjour host Gino Chouinard has announced he will return to daily broadcasting on August 17, 2026, taking over the afternoon slot on 98.5 FM, as he marked his 59th birthday with a reflective message to fans.
Chouinard, who spent nearly two decades hosting Quebec's morning show from 2007 to 2024 before stepping back, confirmed that his new show, Le retour à la maison, will air weekdays starting at 3:00 p.
m.
Reflecting on his birthday and upcoming career transition, Chouinard shared a personal message on his social media pages regarding his evolution and upcoming work commitment.
"Today is my birthday. My body gets a year older, while my head and my heart get younger.
[... ] I think that's the most beautiful gift: evolving," wrote Chouinard.
He noted that he is enjoying his final days of extended freedom before diving back into the demanding schedule of daily live broadcasting.
"Challenging yourself, that too is evolving," he added.
Transition from Morning TV to Afternoon Radio
The veteran presenter elaborated on his transition from morning television to afternoon radio and expressed gratitude for his predecessor, Philippe Cantin, while sharing his excitement about joining the station's roster.
"I accompanied your mornings before you left for work. Now, I will be there when you come home.
After a beneficial break, finding a microphone daily on 98.5 is the kind of opportunity you don't refuse.
It is a privilege to join the 98.5 team," Chouinard declared.
Addressing his followers directly, Chouinard expressed how much he missed interacting with listeners and honored the work of the previous host.
"Philippe Cantin did a remarkable job. His rigor, his relevance, his news sense are exceptional.
Taking this microphone after him is an honor I fully measure. It is with happiness that I succeed him," he added.
Chouinard further highlighted the shift in his relationship with his long-time audience, moving from morning routines to evening commutes.
"You knew me in the morning. Now we meet in the afternoon," he said.
Ahead of his official radio debut on August 17 at 3:00 p. m.
, Chouinard spent time celebrating his 59th birthday alongside his partner, Isabelle Gauthier, and their two adopted children, Nathan and Marilou, following a family vacation in Portugal.
