Mr. Speaker, it was with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Jean‑Paul Croteau, former mayor of Victoriaville, on September 21, 2025. That same Sunday, I tried to call him but got no answer. Little did I know that that would be the last message I left for my mentor.
Mr. Croteau was the one who approached me in the early 2000s and asked me to become a city councillor in Victoriaville. He always wanted me to stop by and see him. Naturally, he would take advantage of every visit to make a few little political suggestions.
This amazing community builder served as the executive director of the Bois‑Francs school board for over 22 years, while also serving as a municipal councillor for the former municipality of Arthabaska and then the city of Victoriaville for 15 years before becoming mayor in 1999. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1989 and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of his work.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank Mr. Croteau for everything. I extend my deepest condolences to his children, Jean‑Sébastien and Anne‑Marie, as well as to his grandchildren and friends.