Mr. Speaker, today, we have lost one of the greats. Michel Côté has left us.
He always made us laugh and now, leaving us like this, he has broken our hearts. He had a spectacular career, first with Marcel Gauthier and Marc Messier in Broue, the most popular play in Quebec history. A record 6 million people have gone to see it. That is phenomenal. His television hits include Omertà: la Loi du silence and La petite vie; we all cherished Pierre Gauthier and Jean-Lou, two characters who were polar opposites. His movies include Cruising Bar, Liste noire, Le dernier tunnel, C.R.A.Z.Y.—in which I had the honour and privilege of starring alongside him—and De père en flic, to name but a few.
He is a giant who has left his mark on generations of Quebeckers, and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Quebec's artistic community has just lost one of its most extraordinary representatives.
To his family, friends, loved ones and all Quebeckers, I offer my deepest condolences.