Statement by the Prime Minister

March 7, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario 

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today expressed his sadness at the news of the death of labour leader Marcel Pepin : 

"For almost 50 years, Marcel Pepin energetically defended the principles of equity, justice and dignity that are the cornerstones of our society. With the strength of his deep convictions, he never hesitated to challenge prevailing social conventions and practices. If the often audacious gestures that punctuated his career did not always find broad support, they certainly earned him universal respect. Marcel Pepin has thus left an indelible mark on the labour movement. 

On behalf of all Canadians, I pay tribute to Marcel Pepin for his great contribution to the well-being of workers and to the development of Canadian society. Aline joins me in offering our sincerest condolences to his partner, Lucie Dagenais, to his children and to his many friends."