Mr. Speaker, Quebec has lost a great explorer. Robert Grenier, a figurehead in the world of underwater archaeology, has passed away.
Robert Grenier was a world-renowned expert who had worked for Parks Canada since the 1960s. He was even featured on the cover of National Geographic. His greatest achievement was the discovery of the San Juan, a 16th-century whaling ship, off the coast of Labrador, proving that the Basques were present in the Americas even before the founding of New France. Mr. Grenier also initiated the searches that led to the discovery of the ships from John Franklin's ill-fated Arctic expedition.
A minister once compared Robert Grenier to Indiana Jones, and while he definitely had the same charisma and love for life, the difference is that he worked for UNESCO, fighting to protect sunken treasures from looters.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his wife, Caroline, and his children, Pierre and Mathilde, who courageously supported him through illness until his soul set sail one last time.