While competing at the 2019 World Championships Girard won another silver medal, his fourth individual world medal and sixth including two relay medals. During the summer of 2019, Girard and his girlfriend Kasandra Bradette, suddenly announced their retirement. Girard was expected to be the heir to Charles Hamelin but actually retired before the elder. His retirement left the Canadian men's short track team without a true star aside from Hamelin, leaving Kim Boutin as the sole leader of the Canadian team.