Long-time Liberal MP Mauril Belanger dead at 61
Posted Aug 16, 2016 8:43 pm.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2016 5:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The man behind the “gender neutral” change to our national anthem has passed away at the age of 61.
Long-time Liberal Member of Parliament Mauril Belanger had been suffering from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease after being diagnosed last year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed the sad news Tuesday night on Twitter.He was a great friend, tireless MP and brave fighter. The entire Parliamentary family mourns his loss.”
Belanger was first elected to the House of Commons in a by-election in 1995 under Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
He would later serve as the Minister of Official Languages and Heritage Minister under Prime Minister Paul Martin.
The Ottawa-Vanier MP also fought for francophone rights in English Canada.
Several other politicians reflected on his loss, including Calgary Nosehill MP Michelle Rempel.
“Our hearts are with Catherine & his family, friends, and caucus colleagues in this time of sorrow. RIP.” she tweets.
Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies Bob Zimmer tweets “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mauril Belanger’s family on this tough day of his passing.”
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said he was saddened to learn of Belanger’s passing, and praised him for his work ethics.
