On the occasion of its 125e birthday, the member for Joliette, Mr. François St-Louis, paid a vibrant tribute to the former Prime Minister of Quebec, Antonio Barrette. For the occasion, he brought together Mr. Barrette’s family as well as several dignitaries from the region.
Antonio Barrette was a deputy for the Joliette constituency from 1936 to 1960 under the banner of the Union Nationale. He served as Minister of Labor for 16 years under the governments of Maurice Duplessis and Paul Sauvé, whom he succeeded to the highest parliamentary office in 1960. He ended his political career as Canadian Ambassador in Greece from 1963 to 1966.
In addition, Mr. Barrette received several distinctions including four honorary doctorates, he also received the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great and Grand Cordon of the Royal Order of George of Greece.
In order to honor the political career of this great Joliettain, Mr. St-Louis solicited the talents of the Lanaudière artist Yannick Guilbault “Guilbo” so that he could create a magnificent canvas in the image of Mr. Barrette. This painting will soon be found in the offices of the member for Joliette in the National Assembly of Quebec.
“It is really important for me to pay tribute to this important figure in Quebec politics. Mr. Barrette had a very significant impact on the lives of the people of his time and he still holds an important place in the hearts of Joliette residents today,” said François St-Louis, MNA for Joliette in the National Assembly of Quebec.
