October 12, 2024 marks the 30the anniversary of the death of Gérald Godin, an essential figure in our collective history. Poet, journalist, politician, Godin left an indelible mark on Quebec. His legacy of defending the French language, integrating cultural communities and civic engagement resonates today more than ever.
We think of you, Gérald, in Trois-Rivières or elsewhere, when we get involved, when we express ourselves frankly, when we dialogue, when we use the French language to clarify, challenge or love. Your fiery words and your resounding poetry have inspired many. You taught us that language is not just a communication tool, but a real vector of identity and pride.
The defense of the French language in Quebec has been one of your dearest fights. In a context of globalization and digital transformation, where dominant languages tend to standardize cultures, the question of preserving minority languages is more relevant than ever. The issues linked to the quality of the French language and francization which particularly affect the workplace and education environments and which occupy the media space, as well as the place of Quebec culture in a globalized world, are all challenges that remind you of the importance of your heritage.
Paradoxically, while being an ardent defender of the French language, you were also a fervent supporter of openness to all cultures. You believed in a multicultural and united Quebec, where each individual would have their place. Today, issues linked to immigration, integration and cultural diversity are at the heart of public debates. Your heritage invites us to reconcile the affirmation of our identity and the welcoming of others.
We think of you, Gérald, in the West Island of Montreal or elsewhere, when we contribute to ensuring that young people and adults from all backgrounds are educated in French and when we make efforts to include them well, to integrate them well, to understand them and to help them flourish, as well as to learn from them and to grow ourselves. Your heritage is lived every day in schools, CEGEPs and universities, where French is taught and learned in French. Particularly at Cégep Gérald-Godin, following in your footsteps, we have been committed with conviction to the promotion of the French language, the integration of cultural communities and intercultural education for 25 years.
You have dedicated a large part of your life to defending the rights of the most vulnerable and to promoting a fairer and more equitable society. In a context marked by growing inequalities and environmental challenges, your call for solidarity and civic engagement resonates particularly strongly. You knew how to embody the hope of a fairer and more united Quebec, and your political commitment left its mark.
You wrote: “do you remember, Godin / that we must dream today / to know what we will do tomorrow? “. Your words invite us to never stop believing in a better future. You continue to guide us and you call us to dream again.
We think of you, Gérald, when we have tenderness in our soul. Your relationship with Pauline Julien is a source of inspiration for those who believe in passionate love and the beauty of life.
On this memorial day, we pay tribute to you. Your ideas on language, culture, social justice and civic engagement always challenge us and guide us in a constantly evolving world. By reminding us of the importance of our roots, our collective identity and our responsibility towards others, you continue to inspire us to build a more just and humane future.