Montréal, Québec - 3 December 2013 Your excellencies, Governor General David Johnston and Sharon Johnston, former Governor General Jean, President Sarkozy, former Prime Ministers Mulroney, Chrétien and Martin, Ambassadors, Lieutenant Governor Duchesne, Secretary Baker, Premier Marois, Premier Selinger, Mayor Coderre, distinguished guests from all tiers of government and the business community, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Jacqueline.
Allow me to begin by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and also with your sons Paul and André and your daughters Louise and Sophie, and your entire family.
I know that your loss is immense.
The fact that so many people from all walks of life are here today says a great deal about Paul as a person.
Humble and generous, with an abiding sense of humour and youthful spirit, Paul Desmarais lived his life to the fullest and touched many, many people along the way.
As a philanthropist and fervent proponent of health care, education and the arts, Paul was literally a benefactor to countless Canadians.
As the head of one of Canada’s largest business empires, Paul will be remembered as a visionary and a builder.
And of course as a husband, father and loving grandfather and great-grandfather, Paul Desmarais was utterly devoted to his family, something everyone could see, and what a great family it is.
The Paul Desmarais I came to know - and now full disclosure, I did not meet him till after I became Prime Minister - that Paul Desmarais was of course already world renowned, wealthy and connected.
But he was also open and frank, and he was completely unpretentious.
And this is the main thing, something I always admired.
He never once raised a personal business interest with me.
Indeed, the one and only common theme of every subject we ever discussed was his country, Canada.
Its uniqueness, its prosperity, its challenges, its unity.
Paul Desmarais’ business empire had long outgrown the frontiers of our dominion, but Canada remained his largest passion.
Paul was a proud Canadian who loved his country ardently and passionately.
He was a man who believed that Canada’s history and unique blend of cultures make our country the best country in the world.
French, English, Aboriginal, people of all nationalities from around the world - Paul knew that Canada is the greatest example of harmony and unity in a dangerous and divided world.
One of the few countries where he, an ordinary small-town guy, could achieve extraordinary success internationally.
He was born and grew up in Sudbury.
He became a proud Quebecer and a pioneer, an inspiration for Francophones and Anglophones alike.
He once told the Montreal Gazette that his greatest achievement was proving that a French Canadian could make it in business - something that no one doubts today.
As an entrepreneur, Paul Desmarais saw opportunity within Canada and well beyond our borders.
He foresaw the rise of China as a great trading nation and he got there long before others.
He understood early the transformation brought about by the unity of Europe and the role that it could play in Canada’s economic future, a potential now being realized in no small part thanks to the trail-blazing efforts of Paul and his connections and those he inspired.
Paul Desmarais chose to be a good family man, a good businessman, and a good citizen.
He leaves a rich legacy and is an example for us all.
He will be sorely missed.
