Mr. Speaker, world-renowned intellectual Jane Jacobs passed away yesterday at the venerable age of 89.
In 1980, this great woman published a book entitled Quebec and the Struggle over Sovereignty. Drawing on the experience of Norway, which separated from Sweden and became a sovereign nation at the beginning of the 20th century, she concluded that we should find inspiration in that event and encourage sovereignty, which would be good for both Quebec and Canada.
She specifically emphasized the importance of Montreal taking on the role of metropolitan centre of a sovereign nation. In an interview with Robin Philpot on May 2, 2005, she expressed regret that the Canadian media refuse to discuss her point of view.
When she published her best-known work on cities in 1961, her peers rejected most of her theses, but today everyone acknowledges that she was correct.
I have no doubt that the true value of her ideas on the future of Quebec will also come to be recognized.
Ms. Jacobs, you have our grateful and heartfelt admiration. We will not forget you.