Statement from the Commissioner of Official Languages following the death of Jean Lapierre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gatineau, March 31, 2016

I was very sad to learn the news of the death of Jean Lapierre and several members of his family. He was part of the group—too small, alas—of political analysts who crossed the language barrier. He had connections and friendships everywhere, in all of Canada’s political families. He had remarkable flair, a human wisdom and an extraordinary generosity of spirit. He kept steadfast ties with his origins. I remember when he returned my call while on holidays in the Îles de la Madeleine. His Madelinot accent, which I had never noticed before, had come back. We will miss him terribly.

Graham Fraser
Commissioner of Official Languages

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