Mr. Speaker, Quebec lost a journalism giant over the weekend. Michel Auger died at the age of 76. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of this legendary crime reporter.
Mr. Auger spent four decades in journalism and won the Judith Jasmin award and the medal of the National Assembly of Quebec, but he was best known for his reporting on organized crime for the Journal de Montréal. Michel Auger's outstanding coverage of the rivalries between criminal motorcycle gangs is a part of Quebec's history.
No one can forget when he was shot in the back six times in the Journal's parking lot on September 13, 2000, in an attempt to silence him. Just three months later, he courageously returned to work with his head held high and continued to cover organized crime.
We have lost a proud champion of free speech at a time when that very freedom is under debate.
Thank you, Michel Auger.