The Commissioner Ackowledges Senator Gauthier’s Tremendous Contribution
THE COMMISSIONER ACKNOWLEDGES SENATOR GAUTHIER’S
TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION
Toronto, December 11, 2009 – The Office of the French Language Services Commissioner wishes to acknowledge Senator Jean-Robert Gauthier’s tremendous contribution and dedication to the Francophone community. Senator Gauthier died on Thursday, December 10, 2009.
A man of great convictions, Senator Gauthier’s valiant efforts led to the creation and governance of Ontario’s French-language schools. He was also instrumental in the fight to keep Montfort Hospital, in the Ottawa region, open. His actions have benefited Francophones right across Canada. Senator Gauthier’s private member’s bill to amend Part VII of the Official
Languages Act is one of his greatest legacies to Canada’s French-language minority communities. According to French Language Services Commissioner François Boileau, this is a day of mourning for French Ontario and for Canada’s entire Francophone community.
QUOTES
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of this great man, who has done so much for Ontario’s Francophones and for Canada’s Francophone community as a whole. He truly was larger than life. We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude,” stated Commissioner François Boileau.
“Personally, I remember a very determined man that no-one wanted to let down. Individuals of the stature of Jean-Robert Gauthier are few and far between,” the Commissioner stated.
The Commissioner joins Francophones across the country in honouring Senator Gauthier whose brilliant career enabled Ontario’s Francophones to make great strides.
Marie-Eve Pépin, Communications and Public Relations Officer
Office of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario
Phone: 416 314-8247, Cell.: 416-906-7021
Toll-free line: 1 866 246-5262
E-mail: marie-eve.pepin@ontario.ca