Mr. Speaker, Quebec has lost a fierce advocate for Quebec independence, the French language, workers' rights and state secularism. Henri Laberge passed away on May 2.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Henri Laberge fought on all fronts for our nation, from the Rassemblement pour l'indépendance nationale to the Bloc Québécois, where he served as chair of the citizenship commission.
An strong advocate for the French language, he was chief of staff to Camille Laurin when Quebec was drafting Bill 101. He moved in working-class circles and, alongside Michel Chartrand and Fernand Daoust, he was an adviser to the Centrale de l'enseignement du Québec. His 30 years of involvement in the Mouvement laïque québécois helped modernize our society. We thank Henri Laberge for his tireless efforts in his quest for an independent Quebec, one that is proud of its values and also compassionate. Bolstered by his legacy, we will continue to fight the fight.
Thank you, Henri.