Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to Raymond Bisson, who passed away on October 20, 2019.

We have lost a pillar and a leader of the Franco-Manitoban community, as well as a strong advocate for services offered to the Canadian francophonie.

Born in 1944, in Dunrea, which was once a small francophone village in Manitoba, Raymond Bisson had a distinguished career. His considerable accomplishments were primarily in education and community service.

While serving successively as the president of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine, the president of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne and the first superintendent of the Franco-Manitoban school division, Raymond Bisson took the lead on major files and resolved many issues by demonstrating leadership and applying his proven expertise. The major restructuring initiatives carried out under his leadership in each of those three positions were essential and sustainable.

We need only think of the tremendous work he did to include a provision on linguistic duality in the text of the Charlottetown Accord. Even though the accord failed, his work made Canada’s provinces aware of the challenges faced by francophone minorities. Let’s also keep in mind that he participated in the first talks with Manitoba in order to gain control over school governance and that he worked hard to improve the delivery of services in French, particularly by introducing the concept of the active offer.

A passionate and tireless man, he participated last April in a simulation for Collège Louis-Riel students on the effects of the Thornton Act, which did away with the teaching of French in the early 20th century. However, of his many skills, it was his ability to listen, his empathy and, of course, his sense of humour that most impressed and affected all those who knew him.

Raymond Bisson had the gift of being able to use humour in a positive and constructive manner, and his leadership style made him a kind and pleasant person to be around. Humour was an effective way for him to deal with difficult situations and helped him maintain excellent relationships with everyone he worked with.

Raymond was driven by a vision and strong convictions, had a keen sensibility and was very open minded. He had a huge impact on French-language education in Manitoba and on the francophonie in minority communities. His leadership will continue to be a source of inspiration for all for a very long time.

He also leaves a large void in the life of his wife Lorraine, his three children and five grandchildren and in the life of his many friends.

Thank you for everything, Raymond Bisson. We will never forget your contribution and your joie de vivre.