P A Méthot Always

in the Mood for a Laugh

There are so many things that life throws at you: people, events, obstacles, paths to follow, things to avoid… You need to keep an open eye and an open mind to make the right decisions—those that let you become the best version of yourself. I would know!

A Quirk of Fate

You could say I became a comedian by chance. I’ve always loved acting and humour, but at first, I was just having fun. While studying at Laval University, I was involved in the Fédération universitaire de l’humour, a comedy group. We would regularly organize small shows, like the back-to-school show, or perform comedy sketches during conferences to entertain the crowd. At the time, I was dabbling in comedy, but without ties or expectations.

One year, on a whim, I entered a comedy contest. I didn’t win. I wasn’t even among the top three. I was, however, noticed by a member of the jury who came to me and said: “You have a very different way of telling stories!”

That moment sparked something in me. He later invited me to take part at an open mic comedy event at a bar, Le Dagobert. Week after week, show after show, people just kept laughing. I haven’t stopped since then. Every comedian has a niche, a specific genre to make their audience laugh. Self-derision is definitely my thing. I love talking about myself, laughing at myself, and making fun of my faults. I prefer turning the spotlight on myself rather than making fun of others. I like telling people about my life, my strengths and my weaknesses. I give my audiences the chance to laugh at me, guilt-free.

Humour and Lots of Love

In life, I want to make people laugh as much as possible, because I enjoy making people happy. Because of this love of all things human, I got involved with organizations that help those in need. I wanted to make a difference, but in my own way.

I got involved with the Centre de crise de Québec because it’s an extraordinary resource that quickly and effectively takes care of people who are going through difficult times. Those who call the Centre—whether it’s because of their mental health, relationship problems, the health of a loved one, a mourning, or something else—are immediately directed to the right resources to get the support they need. I’m also proud to be the spokesperson for the Fondation CERVO, where I gave lectures on mental health. The donations raised by the Fondation CERVO fund research that helps change the perception of mental illnesses and support the care its patients receive.

For the past year, I’ve also been the spokesperson for the Fondation de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)* Health and Heart Month and an ambassador for the Marche-ton-don challenge. This involvement came after a major turning point in my life.

A simple routine examination revealed that I had serious heart problems. I was told I only had around 10 years left to live if I didn’t have surgery. Ten years can seem like a long time in some cases, but if it’s all the time you have left to live, it feels extremely short.

The IUCPQ was so supportive that I wanted to share my experience. As a public figure, I thought I could reach out to people and help them realize the importance of taking care of their health, and doing it sooner rather than later.

Life Is Worth it!

As someone who waited until they had a health scare, I, of all people, can speak to those who find all sorts of excuses to avoid seeing a doctor. It’ll go away. It’s nothing. I’m just tired. In the meantime, that health problem persists, and most of the time, ends up getting worse. And it won’t get better if you ignore it and don’t seek help outside of the comfort of your own home.

I weighed the pros and cons. I was scared, really scared, of the surgery. It’s only when my 7-year-old daughter told me she didn’t want me to “be dead when she’s old” that I made the decision. And it was the best decision of my life!

Ever since, I’ve been making the most of what life has to offer. I no longer take my life for granted. I’ve lost 115 pounds, I walk, I run, I eat healthily, I sleep better… In other words, I live better.

Taking care of yourself should be an everyday philosophy, something that comes naturally, instead of waiting until you no longer have any choice. Everyone I’ve talked to who has had heart problems told me the same thing: If I hadn’t waited so long, I wouldn’t have these health issues.

My advice: Live life now. Don’t wait, because it could pass you by!

— P-A Méthot

Thank you P-A Méthot, what an inspiring interview!

Anne Dauphinais Editor and Communications Advisor