The Franco-Ontarian community is mourning the loss of one of its strongest defenders.
Former Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Bernard Grandmaître died on Tuesday, October 28 at age 92. Grandmaître represented Ottawa East in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1984 to 1999.
As Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs in the government of Premier David Peterson, Grandmaître introduced the French Language Services Act, which guarantees provincial public services in French within areas of the province that have a francophone population of 10 per cent or more.
In a social media post, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Stéphane Sarrazin extended his sympathies to Grandmaître’s family and highlighted his contribution to the Franco-Ontarian community.
“Like his community Mr. Grandmaître demonstrated tenacity and resilience throughout his political career, notably leading to the adoption and implementation of the French Language Services Act,” Sarrazin said.
Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli also extended her condolences upon Grandmaître’s passing.
