Mr. Speaker, today Quebec and Thetford Mines are mourning the loss of a larger-than-life legendary performer, who was nonetheless down to earth.
The humble Poulin became the great Louvain. He made thousands of women swoon and dance and sing. Many men would sing his songs under their breath. We have all said, “Buenas noches mi amor”. We have all sung, “La dame en bleu”. Michel Louvain earned many titles, won countless awards and received the most prestigious honours.
Nothing made him happier than the applause from his audience. His greatest fear was that his audience would no longer like him. He took care of his fans. He was always elegant, respectful, and meticulously dressed. On stage he wanted to please his audience above all else. He was planning another tour. At 83, he still had a lot of energy to share.
I will close with these words by Michel Louvain: “I miss the stage, the audience, my musicians, my backup singer, and my technician. I miss my people. They are my world.” We will miss you, Michel.
To his spouse, his sisters, his admirers and his fans, I offer my deepest condolences.
Buenas noches, Mr. Louvain.