Mr. Speaker, today Quebec lost a giant whose close relationship with René Lévesque and Quebec made him an integral part of the very soul of Quebec.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I extend my condolences to the friends and family of Marc-André Bédard, and I share in their profound grief. My thoughts go out especially to his son Stéphane, with whom I also share fond memories in cabinet and in the Quebec National Assembly.
A founding member of the Parti Québécois, Mr. Bédard served as the MNA for Chicoutimi, deputy premier, government leader, justice minister and confidant of René Lévesque.
Politics aside, he was a staunch fighter for his region, the Saguenay. He was a key player in the local economy, social life and vibrant cultural sector of his magnificent region. My Quebec friends, if Saguenay is a kingdom, today it has lost the patriarch of the royal family.
Mr. Bédard, Quebec salutes you.