Born in Saint-Georges-d'Henryville, County of Iberville, Quebec, the son of Thomas Bernier and Julia Létourneau, Bernier was educated at the College of St. Hyacinthe.
Bernier, a native of Saint-Georges-d'Henryville, Quebec, was raised by Thomas Bernier and Julia Létourneau, attending the College of St. Hyacinthe for his education.