Mr. Speaker, a grande dame has left our midst. One of our most distinguished actors, Béatrice Picard, passed away yesterday at the venerable age of 96, yet we all feel that she has left us too soon.
Béatrice Picard was a fixture of Quebec's theatre scene for over 60 years. She played iconic roles in over 40 plays at the Duceppe theatre, which will forever be linked to her name. Examples include French versions of The Death of a Salesman and Harold and Maude, a role she only recently performed. She brought our big and small screens to life, and brought down the house with her acclaimed roles in Survenant, Un gars, une fille, Symphorien and The Simpsons.
Perhaps more than anything, Béatrice Picard was also the epitome of graceful aging. As a spokesperson for Les Petits Frères and the Salon des aînés de Saint-Jérôme, Béatrice Picard was engaged. She generously donated her time and energy in the service of others. Yes, a grande dame has left our midst.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, Quebeckers and more personally, the Duceppe family, I offer her loved ones and her family our sincerest condolences. To Béatrice, I say thank you for everything.