He served as interim leader of the provincial Conservatives in 1915, and was later appointed to the Senate of Canada.

Bénard was born in Henryville, Quebec, and was educated at the normal school in that community.

Conservative premier Rodmond Roblin was forced to resign in 1915, amid a serious corruption scandal.

His re-election was primarily due to the Conservative Party's continued popularity in francophone areas of the province.

Bénard was appointed to the Canadian Senate on September 3, 1917, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Robert Borden.