May 11, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement on the news that the Honourable Renaude Lapointe, former Speaker of the Senate, had passed away:

"I was deeply saddened by the news of Renaude Lapointe’s death. She was a remarkable woman, respected by everyone who knew her as an excellent journalist and a Senator without peer.

A commitment to her country and her fellow citizens was the driving force within Renaude Lapointe. She was among the first Canadian women to work as a professional journalist and the first French-Canadian woman to preside over the Senate. She again proved herself to be a trailblazer as a member of the Group of 78, who signed in 1982 a declaration calling on Canada to place the needs of the world’s poor at the centre of our international agenda. Like so many other issues that Renaude Lapointe took to heart, this is still of great relevance today. And I know that the values and principles that shaped her actions will long guide the policies of our nation.

Aline joins me in offering our sincerest condolences, on behalf of all Canadians, to the family, loved ones and many friends of the Honourable Renaude Lapointe."

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