Mr. Speaker, on January 1, my friend and canoeing and camping buddy, André Provencher, left us far too soon after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Provencher was passionate about local news and a staunch defender of Quebec culture and he held executive positions at TVA, Télé‑Québec and Cogeco.
He also launched La Presse Télé, which produced popular television series such as Les Parent, Les chefs! and En direct de l'univers. He led the digital transformation of the daily newspapers Le Nouvelliste and Le Soleil, and he oversaw the creation of the Fonds Capital Culture Québec.
Passionate, honest and loyal in friendship and in business, André knew how to spot people with talent and help them to succeed. On behalf of all members of the House, I want to offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Rachel, and his sons, Paul, Bruno and François.