Mr. Speaker, I would like to take advantage of this day dedicated to former parliamentarians to honour our former colleague, Benoît Sauvageau, who died unexpectedly in August 2006.
Not only was he a well-liked, dedicated, hard-working and respectful member who was very attentive to the needs of his constituents in Repentigny, but he was also a formidable parliamentarian and was involved in many files to defend the interests of Quebec.
Benoît was critic in a number of areas. Each time, he accepted his assignments diligently and competently, and always respected all parliamentarians.
Benoît was also very dedicated to his family, and particularly to his wife, Jacinthe, and his wonderful daughters, Catherine, Laurence, Elizabeth and Alice.
We have lost an exceptional parliamentarian, but we will remember the work he did here, in Ottawa, and we will always be inspired by his determination and know-how.
The entire Bloc Québécois family will remember you, Benoît, as a friend, and as an outstanding spokesperson for Quebec.