Statement made on 03 November 2009 by Senator James Cowan
Hon. James S. Cowan (Leader of the Opposition):
Honourable senators, the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc was a fiercely proud Acadian, New Brunswicker and Canadian. He epitomized, in so many ways, the best of what this country is and can be. Roméo LeBlanc did not come from privilege. He was born in 1927 in Cormier's Cove, New Brunswick, the youngest of seven children. He grew up during the Depression on a subsistence farm. Despite the difficult circumstances, his talents and potential were evident from a young age.
People can react to life situations in many ways. Roméo LeBlanc responded with courage and optimism. Those who were privileged to know him saw these traits demonstrated over and over no matter what challenges were presented to him. Each time his chosen life path was knocked off course by events beyond his control, he turned around and set out on a new path.
This man, who ended up deeply involved in the political life of this country, began as a teacher and journalist. He used to quote an Inuit proverbial phrase — a long time ago in the future — which, as he described it, meant: Let the children see our history and maybe it will help to shape the future.
As a teacher, he taught others to see that history. As a journalist, he wrote down the present, creating the historical record. Later, as a parliamentarian and cabinet minister, he took that history and helped shape the Canadian future.
As press secretary to Prime Ministers Pearson and Trudeau, from 1967 to 1971, he was a witness to both extraordinarily exciting and terribly difficult times in our nation's history. In 1972, he was elected to represent Westmorland-Kent and was re-elected on three occasions. He served as cabinet minister in several portfolios under Prime Minister Trudeau, but the portfolio for which he will always be most closely associated is Fisheries. He served as the Minister of Fisheries in three of Prime Minister Trudeau's cabinets, becoming the longest serving Fisheries minister in Canadian history.
Perhaps, most importantly — certainly to him — was the moniker he acquired. He was known as the "fishermen's friend." In 1984, Prime Minister Trudeau summoned him to this chamber, where he sat for the next decade. His work as a senator focused a great deal on international activities and issues. In 1993, he was appointed Speaker of the Senate. His integrity and good judgment earned him the respect of senators on both sides of the chamber.
In February 1995, Roméo LeBlanc was appointed Canada's twenty-fifth Governor General, the first Acadian and Maritimer to serve in that position.
When he died on June 24, 2009, he left a truly extraordinary legacy: An example of a man from a small community, in a small province, who rose to the highest position in the land, never for a moment forgetting his origins or his gratitude to the many people who helped make his success possible.
He loved this country, and all that it represents, with a fierce pride. He was a deeply committed Acadian. It was his birthright and his joy. He was a proud defender of the French language. He believed in the power of government to do good. He knew first-hand how much government can help those less fortunate to do better and, perhaps, like him, achieve even beyond their dreams.
His family always came first. He loved his family with a pride and devotion that was always a joy to see. His wife Diana, daughter Geneviève, and of course, his deeply loved son Dominic, the member of Parliament for a riding that he once held, are his greatest legacy. How proud he would be to see Dominic making such a great contribution to the family business of public service.
When he was installed as Governor General, Mr. LeBlanc said, "If I am to be known for anything, I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians, for knowing a little bit about their daily, extraordinary courage, and for wanting that courage to be recognized."
More than 2,000 people travelled to the small village of Memramcook to pay their respects at Roméo LeBlanc's funeral. His life was truly extraordinary. He would no doubt have said that his achievements were only possible because of the values and convictions of the people of Canada. However, there is no question that Canada is a better place because of the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc.
Please click here to read more tributes to the late Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc