Background
He was born in Montreal in 1738, the son of a shoemaker who died when Pierre was nine. In 1764, he married Thérèse Legrand, daughter of a Montreal merchant. He owned his own store and operated a store for his father-in-law.
He was born in Montreal in 1738, the son of a shoemaker who died when Pierre was nine. In 1764, he married Thérèse Legrand, daughter of a Montreal merchant. He owned his own store and operated a store for his father-in-law.
He became a merchant supplying goods to fur traders. He partnered with Joseph Périnault in several fur trading expeditions. In 1765, with Périnault, he purchased a large part of the sub-fief of Closse and the seigneury of Île-Bizard, later buying out his partner and purchasing the remainder of these properties.
Foretier also purchased property in the faubourg Saint-Laurent in Montreal.
During the American invasion of 1775-1776, he helped supply Canadian forces, despite having his home occupied by an American colonel and his entourage. He was named a justice of the peace in 1779.
Foretier was among those who lobbied for constitutional reform in the province. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the legislative assembly in 1792.
Foretier later served in the militia, serving as colonel from 1804 until his death at Montreal in 1815.