Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honour the memory of Lise Bacon, a remarkable woman who passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Her commitment to protecting Quebec culture and the French language have had a profound impact on Quebec.
As the first woman president of the Liberal Party of Quebec, who later became deputy premier of Quebec and the second woman elected to the Quebec National Assembly, she blazed a trail for countless other women who, like her, decided to get involved and make a difference. Her journey is inspiring.
As we observe Women's History Month, her passing reminds us that strong, visionary women like Lise Bacon are the ones who made it possible for others, like me, to dream bigger. Women like Lise Bacon paved the way for the 104 women who are here in the House of Commons today. In my riding of Trois-Rivières, her passing is especially poignant. That is where she grew up and learned the values that guided her entire life: work, respect and service to others.
Today, we thank Lise Bacon for her commitment, her courage and the example she set for everyone seeking a more just Canada and Quebec.