Mr. Speaker, last Monday, Justice Avila Labelle, a veritable legal institution in the Outaouais region, died after a long illness.
Justice Labelle was called to the Barreau du Québec in January 1936, and was appointed judge of the Cour de district on January 9, 1959, where he remained until 1981. In October 1983, he assumed duties in the Tax Court of Canada.
Justice Labelle's legal knowledge was widely recognized. He left his mark on the legal history of the entire Outaouais district. Those who knew him appreciated his irrepressible humour and his cheerfulness, which were always evident even in court.
Everyone liked him, and called him by his first name. Even during his illness, Justice Labelle insisted on taking part in a Canadian Cancer Society fund-raising campaign.
We wish to pay our respects to the memory of Justice Labelle, and we extend to his family and friends our most sincere condolences.