Mr. Speaker, I am very honoured to rise to pay tribute to the late Hon. Bernard Grandmaître, the guardian of the French language and the father of Ontario's French Language Services Act.
This great Franco-Ontarian recently passed away at the age of 92. Born in Vanier, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving in public office, first as mayor and then as a provincial MPP. His greatest legacy is Bill 8, which was passed in 1986 and which gives Franco-Ontarians the right to receive government services in their own language. It is thanks to him that institutions like the Montfort Hospital were able to survive and grow.
He was a pillar of quiet strength, a builder, a man of conviction. His love for the French-speaking community was evident in his actions, and he inspired generations of leaders. His unwavering commitment to Ontario's francophonie continues to inspire us and guide our actions.
My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the entire francophone community. May he rest in peace.