A superhero on the ice, a man with a big heart off the ice, Guy Lafleur has also been a symbol of pride and success for Quebecers who have had many opportunities to identify with him.
Posted at 4:39 p.m.
This was indicated, each in their own way, by several politicians present on Tuesday at the national funeral of the former right winger of the Canadiens. Starting with the Premier of Quebec, François Legault.
“He was the idol of the Quebec nation and today, we say thank you to Guy Lafleur, for all the pride he gave us, mentioned Mr. Legault on his arrival at the Marie-Reine-du- World. It’s still something to say that Guy Lafleur is one of us and the best hockey player in the world. What pride he gave us, the entire Quebec nation. »
Former Prime Minister Pauline Marois, for her part, underlined how much people identify with people like the Blond Demon. “Guy Lafleur was truly a hero and people need heroes,” she said. He was quite a remarkable man and passionate about his profession. To arrive earlier (than his teammates: editor’s note) in the players’ room, you had to want it! »
“Guy Lafleur has entered all the cottages in Quebec and we will first remember his humility, his authenticity, underlined the leader of the Liberal Party, Dominique Anglade, who was accompanied by the deputy for Marquette and former NHL player, Enrico Ciccone. He marked everyone, all generations. »
Photo Dominick Gravel, LA PRESSE
Dominique Anglade and Enrico Ciccone
Two other former premiers of Quebec, Jean Charest and Philippe Couillard, insisted on the unifying side of Lafleur. “Regardless of origins, everyone gathered around number 10,” says Mr. Couillard. “He is a man who has marked Quebec a lot. The proof is how much he brings together today, ”said Jean Charest, who had awarded the National Order of Quebec to Lafleur in 2005.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau noted that Lafleur has achieved a lot off the ice, an aspect of his personality to remember. “It’s also a time to thank him for his deep humanity,” said Mr. Trudeau. He was at the service of all of us as Quebecers and Canadians. I am so touched by his life. Today is a day to reflect on all he brought to us and all the ways he continues to inspire us. »
Photo Dominick Gravel, LA PRESSE
Justin Trudeau
Also identified with childhood
Regardless of their allegiance, the politicians present made connections between Lafleur’s exploits and their childhood.
This is the case of Isabelle Charest, Quebec Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women. “As long as I can remember, I watched hockey with my family. My sister was a big Ken Dryden fan. Me, it was more Guy Lafleur. He was the symbol that anything is possible. It’s a lot of emotion to say goodbye or farewell to someone who made us dream. »
His colleague Pascale St-Onge, Canadian Sports Minister, also spoke about his childhood memories. “When I was little, I watched the games with my father, my mother, my brother, remembered the member for Brome-Missiquoi. We were all fans. He was flying around the rink with his hair in the wind…”
“I’m old enough to have seen him play,” said MP Vincent Marissal of Quebec solidaire. This guy brought us together and the way we say goodbye to him, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen that. It does us good. We are quite divided at the moment in Quebec and in society in general. It took a Guy Lafleur to get us back together, I think it’s super nice. »
Mayor of Quebec, Bruno Marchand considers “fundamental” the representation of his city at the ceremony. “First, to salute his passage in junior hockey (with the Remparts: Ed) and before, he said. Just like his return at the end with the Nordiques. »
The former mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre evoked memories with the one he calls “my friend”. “We did a lot together,” he said. I was also proud to be able to celebrate him as mayor. I got a helicopter ride too. Being in the same helicopter with Ginette Reno and Guy Lafleur is something! »
Photo Dominick Gravel, LA PRESSE
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois
The final word ? We give it to Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire at the National Assembly: “The great players mark their sport and the idols mark their people. I think that’s what Guy Lafleur did. »