23 January 2010 Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Harper today issued the following statement on the death in Haiti of former Liberal Member of Parliament Serge Marcil:
“All Canadians are deeply saddened by the confirmation of the death of former Member of Parliament Serge Marcil who was in Haiti on business when the recent devastating earthquake destroyed his hotel.
“Mr. Marcil had a long and distinguished political career. He was a seasoned Quebec politician who served in Quebec's National Assembly for several years –including as Minister of Employment – before being elected as Member of Parliament for Beauharnois—Salaberry. In his federal capacity, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment. Mr. Marcil was respected by parliamentarians from all parties. His many years of service to the citizens of Quebec and Canada are appreciated and will be remembered.
“Laureen and I send our deepest sympathies to Serge Marcil's wife Christiane Pelchat, his children Olivier, Émilie and Sarah, and to his extended family and friends. And we wish to thank the brave Canadians who remain in Haiti, as well as those in the international community who have worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Marcil's remains in most difficult circumstances. Our thoughts are with all Canadians who have lost loved ones in this disaster.”
