Mr. Speaker, I met Gilles Rocheleau in 1990. I had heard about him long before that, however, because he had been active in politics for many years.
He was a municipal councillor in Hull from 1967 to 1974, mayor of Hull from 1974 to 1981, an MLA and then a minister in the Quebec government from 1981 to 1988. He served as a Liberal MP in Ottawa from 1988 to 1990, and then as a member of the Bloc Quebecois from 1990 to 1993.
One thing never changed. Gilles Rocheleau was a forthright man who always said what he thought. An admittedly sometimes rough exterior concealed a sensitive man who took a close interest in those around him.
The Maison des Citoyens, of which he was rightly proud, was built while he was mayor of Hull, and its agora today bears his name. Gilles was a man of discipline, who defended his point of view with determination, but knew when to step back into line when his views were not shared. And step back into line he did, but not without good reason, for if his beliefs were questioned, Gilles Rocheleau did not hesitate to set aside his personal interests and take up the challenge. So it was that he joined the Bloc Quebecois in 1990.
This is a path many Quebeckers have taken. Gilles Rocheleau was therefore also, if not primarily, a fighter. Sovereignists were happy to have him on their side, having seen what a strong opponent he could be. The militant federalist Gilles Rocheleau became a staunch sovereignist.
Gilles Rocheleau was also a man of some experience, having worked in many arenas, but he always kept the respect of his friends. He was not afraid to speak his mind, to put it mildly. He would not stand for duplicity and his tongue sometimes got away from him, but never out of spite. He was not politically correct, but he said what he was thinking, whether he was right or wrong.
I offer my condolences to his children, and to Hélène Roy, his wife and partner, who is with us today. I know that all those who knew him will never forget him, especially the people of Hull. On their behalf, I thank him.