Gaetan was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario.

Before making the leap into federal politics, he built a career of more than 45 years in the forestry and mining sectors across Eastern Canada, often leading projects that promoted economic development in partnership with First Nations communities.

A long-time community leader, Gaetan has held several key governance roles. He served as Chair of the Timmins & District Hospital, the Timmins District Roman Catholic Separate School Board, and the Centre de sante communautaire francophone de Timmins. He was also Vice-Chair of the Timmins Police Services Board, a board member of Mattagami AKI, and a Commissioner with the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission. In the forestry sector, he served on the Board of the Canadian Lumber Manufacturing Association and as Chair of the Ontario Lumber Manufacturing Association.

Gaetan has 2 children and 5 grandchildren. He enjoys outdoor activities and spending time at his lakeside cabin.