Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable life of René Chartrand.
For 21 years, from 1987 to 2008, René was a constant presence on Parliament Hill, caring for the colony of cats that lived behind the Centre Block. Every day, rain or shine, through lockdowns and holidays, René came to feed and care for the cats. As he said, “I'm not allowed to get sick -- the cats would get angry if I missed a day”.
He greeted visitors from around the world, in both official languages, with a smile and an open heart, and became legendary as the “Cat Man of Parliament Hill”. In 2003, he received the Heroes for Animals Award from the Humane Society of Canada.
René Chartrand died this week at the age of 92. René's commitment and empathy are an inspiration.
I know all members will join me in celebrating his contribution to life on Parliament Hill.