The Story of Marcel and Frances Labelle

Marcel Labelle was born and raised in Cochrane, Ontario — a small but proud town in the heart of Northeastern Ontario. From an early age, he understood the value of hard work, community, and the unforgiving yet beautiful landscape of the North.

The son of a working family, Marcel learned early that success was built through perseverance, integrity, and a willingness to do what others would not. These values would define him for the rest of his life.

In the decades that followed, Marcel and Frances built M.J. Labelle Co. Ltd. into one of the most respected civil construction companies in Northeastern Ontario. Roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure across the region bear the mark of their work — foundations that communities still rely on today.

For over six decades, the company operated with a commitment to quality and community that set it apart. Marcel was known not only as a skilled builder but as a man of his word — someone who treated his employees, clients, and neighbours with equal respect.

Frances stood beside him every step of the way. Her warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength were the heart of the family and, in many ways, the heart of the enterprise. Together, they were a partnership in every sense of the word.

Marcel and Frances never forgot where they came from. Throughout their lives, they gave generously to the communities of Northeastern Ontario — quietly, without fanfare, because it was simply the right thing to do.

As they looked to the future, they wanted to ensure that spirit of giving would endure long after them. The Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation was established to carry that vision forward — to support initiatives across the beloved North in their name.

The Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation is the fulfilment of that vision. Established to support initiatives across the beloved North, the Foundation stands as a living tribute to two remarkable people whose generosity and foresight will continue to shape lives for generations to come.