Senator Seidman, you have been graceful to the end.

Honourable senators, I rise today in tribute to an outstanding journalist and committed Franco-Ontarian, Denis Gratton, who passed away on December 7. In his last column, published in Le Droit on March 24, 2023, Denis Gratton wrote about his battle with lung cancer, a battle that would turn out to be long and difficult. He wrote:

Man! This isn’t going to be an easy fight. My enemy is fierce, merciless, intractable. It won’t be a fair fight, but I’m going to fight anyway. A little scrapper from Vanier would never back down from a fight. I’ll be in my corner, gloves on. I have no choice, even though I know I’ll be David squaring up to Goliath.

Even before this, Denis Gratton was no stranger to a fight. He was always on hand to report on the battles being fought by our community, from the 1997 S.O.S. Montfort campaign to the 2018 Franco-Ontarian Black Thursday. Alongside his aunt, Gisèle Lalonde, who undoubtedly inspired him to be an activist, he spread the word about S.O.S. Montfort to rally activists and win over public opinion to the cause. His role in this battle is undeniable.

Just like when David went up against Goliath, the Franco-Ontarian community emerged victorious against the government of the day, thanks in large part to the efforts of Mr. Gratton and his brother Michel.

With his sharp pen and quick wit, he always tackled the most politically charged issues with tact, sensitivity and, very often, plenty of humour. Over more than 30 years, he became an icon at Le Droit, chronicling the victories, failures, challenges and successes of French Ontario. He put his talent at the service of his community, never missing an opportunity to defend it, even at the risk of provoking strong reactions.

As if he knew he was leaving, Denis published what he thought might be his column and took the opportunity to bid farewell to his loyal readers. He concluded by saying, “You know how much I love you, don’t you, my friends? I want you to know that I always will.”

Denis, the entire Franco-Ontarian community will continue to love you and cherish every one of your columns. I offer my deepest condolences to your family, your friends and all those who were moved by your writing over your 32-year career.

You devoted your career to defending our rights, promoting our culture and heritage, and, above all, documenting our struggles and preserving our collective memory. Denis, thank you for everything. You will forever remain an emblem of journalism and an unforgettable figure of Franco-Ontarian activism. Rest in peace.