One hundred years ago, to the day, a man was born in Charlemagne whose immense contribution would influence the history of Quebec. This exceptional man first distinguished himself as a talented psychiatrist, then as a humane and committed politician.
A prominent figure in modern Quebec, Camille Laurin has accomplished a great deal in terms of protecting and promoting French. It is to him that we owe the Charter of the French language, adopted in 1977. This structuring legislative text contributed to defining the foundations of an entire people. From our French Quebec.
“The distinctive language of a predominantly French-speaking people, the French language allows the people of Quebec to express their identity. It is with these inspiring words that the Charter of the French language opens. Camille Laurin has fully grasped the importance for the Quebec nation to define itself, to express itself, to distinguish itself and to unite around our common language.
Thanks to the deep conviction and persuasive force of Mr. Laurin, Quebec has acted to protect the French language, the heritage of our ancestors, allowing us today to assert ourselves, to exist and to grow as a French-speaking nation. in a predominantly English-speaking North America. There is no better way to describe the importance of Bill 101 for the Quebec nation than that of sociologist Guy Rocher. He rightly asserts that Bill 101 is a “Quebec dignity law”. This dignity, Camille Laurin still embodies it. We have a duty to remember him. Remember that the headquarters of the Office québécois de la langue française proudly bears his name.
One hundred years after the birth of this illustrious statesman and a few months from the 45and anniversary of the Charter of the French language, it is important to make a solemn commitment to maintain action at all times to enhance and promote our national language. The torch of the French language does not belong only to the State, but to all of us, individually and collectively.
This nation, which Dr. Laurin loved with all his might, continues its unique — and exceptional — journey in America. Camille Laurin will have given us the desire to stand up and continue our march towards a Quebec of all possibilities.
We owe him a lot. And we will remember.
* Also signed this text: Nathalie Roy (Minister responsible for the French language from 2018 to 2019), Marie Montpetit (Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French language from 2017 to 2018), Luc Fortin (Minister responsible for Protection and Promotion of the French language from 2016 to 2017), Hélène David (Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French language from 2014 to 2016), Diane De Courcy (Minister responsible for the Charter of the French from 2012 to 2014), Christine St-Pierre (Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French language from 2007 to 2012), Line Beauchamp (Minister responsible for the Application of the Charter of the French language from 2003 to 2007), Diane Lemieux (Minister responsible for the Charter of the French language from 2001 to 2003), Louise Beaudoin (Minister responsible for the Charter of the French language from 1995 to 2001), Rita Dionne-Marsolais (Minister responsible for the Charter of the LAN French gue from 1994 to 1995), Marie Malavoy (Minister responsible for the Charter of the French language in 1994) and Jacques Chagnon (Minister responsible for the Application of the Charter of the French language in 1994).