Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments in this House to pay tribute to Jean-Louis Leduc, who was the member for Richelieu from 1979 to 1984. Mr. Leduc was a close friend and an unconditional supporter of the present Prime Minister. I recall that he was a zealous participant in my riding in the leadership races involving the Prime Minister.
Mr. Leduc was my main opponent in 1984. I must admit that it was a tough fight, but a battle of ideas, with a man who had the greatest respect for others. He had political opponents but no enemies. He died during the last election campaign following a long illness.
I also knew him well as a teacher. We both taught at the Fernand Lefebvre Comprehensive School. He was a wonderful communicator and a matchless storyteller. He knew how to give his teaching a regional touch and to convey to his students his affection for the beautiful Sorel-Tracy region and the whole
Richelieu constituency. Jean-Louis had his own style and always found a way to deal humorously with a serious subject.
I remember meeting him before the election. He had been in the opposition for nine months and then he was campaigning again. He came to say hello to us at the school and I asked him, since we were great friends: "Well, Jean-Louis, will you have a special strategy for this election campaign, since it is taking place in winter, in February?" He said: "Yes, I will put on long underwear". That answer shows his style, always humorous. He was also an outstanding communicator with his friends and with his students.
I will never forget my last visit to him, during the referendum on the Charlottetown accord. I had a chance to spend nearly half an hour with him and his wife and I greatly admired his courage and determination in going to vote. Even though he had trouble moving, he insisted on doing his duty as a voter, and that referendum was the last time he was able to vote.
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the Right Hon. Prime Minister, to his colleagues in the Liberal Party, to his wife and to his son.