Malette was born and raised in
Timmins,
Ontario. Before entering federal politics, Malette worked as a
forestry executive and spent more than 45 years in the
forestry and
mining industries across
Eastern Canada, often focusing on projects that promoted economic development in partnership with
First Nations communities. Malette has been active in community service and regional governance, holding a number of leadership positions. He previously served as chair of the Timmins & District Hospital, the Timmins District Roman Catholic Separate School Board, and the Timmins Francophone Community Health Centre. He was also vice-chair of the Timmins Police Services Board, a director of Mattagami AKI, and a commissioner with the
Ontario Northland Transportation Commission. In the forestry sector, he has served as a director of the Canadian Lumber Manufacturing Association and chair of the Ontario Lumber Manufacturing Association. == Political career ==