Mr. Speaker, on October 20, my riding lost a great visionary, Jules Arsenault.
Born in Gaspésie, Mr. Arsenault chose to make his home in Témiscamingue because he saw our region's potential.
A man who got things done, he was a cornerstone of higher education in his role as rector of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. He proved that a region could create a high-quality university that was spread across the region, accessible and responsive to the training and research needs of local businesses and industries. Although he was retired, he continued his enthusiastic involvement in the university over the past few years.
We appreciated his humanity, his openness towards others and his profound belief in public service. The people of Témiscamingue acknowledge the exceptional contribution Jules Arsenault made to our region. He will be greatly missed.