Drouin was born in Quebec City and educated at the Séminaire de Québec and Université Laval.

He was also director of the National School of Theatre and helped gain the 1967 World's Fair for Montreal (which became known as Expo 67).

Drouin ran as a Progressive Conservative candidate in the 1949 federal election against Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent in the riding of Quebec East but was defeated by St. Laurent by 18,000 votes.

The Conservatives took power following the 1957 federal election and Diefenbaker, as prime minister, had Drouin appointed to the Senate of Canada on October 4, 1957, and named him Speaker of the Senate despite his lack of parliamentary experience.

Drouin retired as Speaker in 1962 and was appointed to the Privy Council.