Mr. Speaker, the Lower St. Lawrence and Quebec literature have just lost one of their most spectacular, bold and prolific representatives.
Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu has passed away at the age of 79, but he is leaving us with his plays, essays and novels. VLB was an editor, novelist and essayist. He was indignant and rebellious, a separatist who loved his corner of the country.
Félix had his island, Vigneault had Natashquan, and Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu had Trois-Pistoles. Despite his immense body of work, Race de monde, L'Héritage and Bouscotte left the most lasting impression on Quebeckers.
For years, millions of us sat in front of our TV screens watching his stories, unable to tear our eyes away from the drama or close our ears to the swearing of the larger-than-life characters. "Gumbitch" and "ostie toastée des deux bords" have become part of Quebeckers' more colourful language.
Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu was a giant.
To his family and loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences.