Honourable senators, I would also like to pay tribute to former Quebec premier Bernard Landry, who passed away yesterday morning. He was a great builder of Quebec, a patriot, and a man of conviction, culture and vision.

It is true that, as a federalist, I do not share his nationalist convictions or his vision for an independent Quebec. Nevertheless, I have always had a lot of respect for this politician whose exceptional career helped shape Quebec for over 50 years.

Mr. Landry headed over a dozen different departments, as my colleague mentioned, and not the small ones. He was a minister under René Lévesque and deputy premier under Jacques Parizeau. As a member of Lucien Bouchard’s cabinet, he headed up so many different departments it was impossible to list them all on his business card.

His economic skills and his understanding of major international issues will certainly help to raise Quebec’s profile around the world.

Here is what François Cardinal said about him in this morning’s edition of La Presse, and I quote:

Think about the Peace of the Braves, which is so much more than a treaty signed with the Cree in 2002. . . .

Think about the development of multimedia, a visionary move at the time that is still a great benefit to Montreal today. . . .

Think about the battle he waged in favour of North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1980s. He saw NAFTA as an opportunity for Quebec and a solution to U.S. protectionism . . . .

A cultured intellectual, he fought in every economic, social and cultural battle.

His passing is a great loss, and Quebec is in mourning. Even though we did not share the same political vision for Quebec, the good thing about our country, Canada, is that despite our differences, we can freely and proudly express our admiration for a political adversary who left a mark on history.

I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Chantal Renaud, his children and his friends.

Rest in peace, Mr. Landry.