Gino Chouinard has just retired from hosting “Salut Bonjour” after 17 memorable years on the air.
During his last broadcast, the emotions were palpable, both on the set and throughout the province. The question on the lips of many fans was: what will Gino do from now on?
The host has always been discreet about his future plans, only indicating his desire to spend more time with family and loved ones. And from his first vacation weekend, Gino perfectly illustrated this intention.
To mark the start of this new phase of his life, Gino celebrated with his friend and comedian Jean-Michel Anctil.
At a dinner, Gino was photographed with a huge, impressive bottle of wine, reminiscent of the extravagances of NHL players.
It was a 1997 Pauillac grand cru, a bottle estimated at several hundred dollars, typically reserved for special occasions.
This gesture is reminiscent of NHL stars, who do not hesitate to treat themselves to prestigious bottles of wine to celebrate their success.
Gino, although hosting a morning show and not a hockey game, is equally deserving of this award after a career dedicated to bringing smiles and information to Quebec homes every morning. He has every right to “go crazy”.
Jean-Michel Anctil immortalized this moment with a simple but evocative message: “FIRST WEEKEND OF HOLIDAY FOR MY FRIEND GINO WE’RE CELEBRATING THIS. » The photo of Gino, all smiles and proudly carrying the bottle, reflects the festive atmosphere of the evening.
This celebration marks a new chapter for Gino, one where he can savor every moment, just like this exceptional bottle of wine.
We wish him to take full advantage of this new found freedom and to share many more precious moments with his loved ones.
We wonder if he had a headache the next day.
Gino Chouinard said goodbye Friday morning, after directing “Salut Bonjour” for one last time.
After 17 years at the helm of the TVA morning show, Gino decided to turn the page. According to network data, he will have hosted more than 3,800 episodes.
This final broadcast was marked by moving moments shared with his colleagues. The tributes from Philippe-Vincent Foisy to the news and Sabrina Cournoyer to culture brought a few tears to flow.
Prime Minister François Legault also addressed a few words to him in a pre-recorded video, saluting his dedication, his professionalism and his good humor which have facilitated the awakenings of many Quebecers over the years. Gregory Charles, on the piano, paid tribute to him in song, while actress Guylaine Tremblay thanked him for having “made our culture shine”.
Pierre Karl Péladeau, big boss of Quebecor, praised his commitment, stressing that getting up so early for so many years was an achievement.
His family, including his mother, his partner and his children, joined him on stage for the last minutes of the show. Emotions were intense, especially when he said his final thanks.
Gino announced his departure from “Salut Bonjour” in November 2022, expressing his desire to devote himself to new projects. His first project was this enormous bottle of wine. Why not?
What’s better than an immense Pauillac 1997, a prestigious, expensive and delicious wine. This bottle, worthy of the biggest occasions and celebrations of NHL players, symbolizes the importance of this moment for Gino, the Connor McDavid of TV.
Go Gino go!!
