Ottawa, Ontario
24 April 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after learning of the death of Senate Speaker Pierre Claude Nolin:
“Laureen and I were deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Senate Speaker Pierre Claude Nolin.
“Speaker Nolin was a strong and clear voice dedicated to serving Quebecers and all Canadians, and he did so as a member of the Upper Chamber for over 21 years. Throughout a long public career, Senator Nolin never lost track of the higher interests of his fellow citizens.
“During his time in the Senate, he contributed to numerous committees covering a broad range of issues, including legal and constitutional affairs, foreign affairs and international trade, national security and defence, and banking, trade and commerce.
“After having been unanimously elected Speaker pro tempore of the Senate in 2013, he was appointed Speaker of the Senate in 2014.
“A strong supporter of the military, Senator Nolin was a member of the Cercle des Honoraires of the Régiment de Maisonneuve since 1995, becoming an honorary lieutenant-colonel of the regiment in 2012. In 2014, he was also named a Commander of the Order of Saint Lazarus. He was also a strong advocate of fundamental rights and worked throughout his career to ensure that persons from all walks of life were afforded the opportunity to voice their views in Quebec and Canadian society.
“Thanks to his courage and patriotism, this affable and cultured man was able to exercise his talents as a unifying and enlightened guide to his colleagues up to the end lot of his life, in spite of a cruel illness.
“Members of my caucus and I benefited greatly from his advice and support, which were based on his extensive legal and parliamentary experience and his profound commitment to serving the people of Canada.
“On behalf of all Canadians, we wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife, Camille, to his three children, Simon, Louis and Virginie, and to his grandchildren, as well as to his entire family, friends and colleagues. He is now part of that small group of persons whose life and example have enhanced the institution they served while contributing to the common good. His distinguished service to the Upper Chamber and to our country will be remembered and honoured.”
