SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Gérard Lévesque

Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a prominent figure in the Franco-Ontarian community who passed away on April 13. Gérard Lévesque was a tenacious pioneer who worked tirelessly to advance language rights in this country. His life story is that of a man guided by deep conviction, an infinite love for the French language, and an unwavering sense of duty.

From a very young age, growing up in Ottawa’s Lowertown, Mr. Lévesque was confronted with the difficulties of accessing a French-language education in a minority-language context. With no French-language high schools in Ontario, he had to cross the river to pursue his studies in French. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Université Saint-Paul, he began his career as a journalist at Le Droit and served as secretary general of the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario, or ACFO for short.

Later, his desire to study law ran up against the same reality, as the University of Ottawa did not yet offer a common law program in French. He would have to wait until 1986 to earn his law degree, a testament to his perseverance that knew no bounds and no time limits.

As a lawyer, law professor, executive director of the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario, deputy judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and columnist, he made a tangible contribution to advancing language rights. Mr. Lévesque was an activist in the noblest sense of the word. He was a warm-hearted, gregarious man who had a knack for bringing people together. He was an indefatigable worker who also had a rare talent for inspiring others to follow his lead.

For example, he participated in the civil disobedience movement known as “C’est l’temps!” in 1975 when Franco-Ontarian activists boldly decided to challenge tickets issued in English only. They refused to pay them and even risked going to prison. Mr. Lévesque experienced that first-hand by spending a night behind bars. But it was not in vain. The movement served as a catalyst by creating a real space for dialogue on services in French and judicial bilingualism and by helping to change the way people thought about the Franco-Ontarian identity.

Honourable senators, whether in the streets, in the media, at the head of francophonie organizations or before the courts, Mr. Lévesque championed the cause of the French language wherever it needed defending. With tireless dedication and remarkable perseverance, he helped to shape, defend and strengthen the French language’s place in Ontario, turning struggles into lasting progress for an entire community.

His legacy will continue to inspire all those who are working toward a strong, vibrant and respected French community. I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, his wife, his children and grandchildren. May you find some comfort in the great respect, admiration and gratitude an entire community felt for him.

Thank you, Gérard Lévesque.