Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honour John Little, a pioneer of Canadian urban painting who passed away on October 28 at the age of 96.
For over 65 years, Mr. Little captured and chronicled Montreal's neighbourhoods, from Westmount to Little Burgundy and the Plateau to Mile End. His work celebrates the streetscapes and life of the city's core.
Mr. Little's gentle spirit and sense of humour endeared him to many. He was a passionate advocate for preserving Montreal's heritage, famously stating, “If we knock down all our old buildings..., we’ll become a people without a past.” His significant body of work on canvas serves as a reminder of the stories within our streets during a time of great change.
Mr. Little's legacy will inspire generations to come. His artistic genius and dedication to the soul of our city have left an indelible and unique mark on our country. May he rest in peace.