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The Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie expresses its condolences on the death of the Honourable Andrée Champagne

The Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) wishes to offer its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the Honourable Andrée Champagne, P.C., C.M., who passed away on June 5.

Ms. Champagne was active in federal politics for close to 20 years. First elected as the Member of Parliament for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot in 1984, she served as Minister of State (Youth) until 1986. She then served as Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole of the House of Commons and, in May 1990, became the first woman Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, a position she held until the end of her political career in 1993.

Ms. Champagne returned to federal politics in August 2005 when she was appointed to the Senate. She served as Chair of the Canadian Branch of the APF from 2006 to 2013. From 2013 to 2014, she was the President of the APF until the end of her Senate tenure. She also received the highest honour of the Ordre de la Pléiade, the Grand Croix, in 2013.

Before entering politics, Ms. Champagne made her mark on the Quebec cultural scene through her remarkable acting career, particularly in her role as Donalda on the program Les belles histoires des pays d’en haut. She also helped build Quebec’s artistic community, serving on the Union des artistes board of directors in the 1980s.

“On behalf of the Canadian Branch of the APF, I wish to recognize Ms. Champagne’s significant contribution to the Canadian and international Francophonie. She will be remembered by the Canadian Branch for her commitment and dedication to la Francophonie,” said Francis Drouin, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch of the APF and First Vice President of the APF.

The APF brings together parliamentarians from 88 parliaments and interparliamentary organizations from five continents. It strives to promote the French language internationally, advocate for cultural diversity, and promote and defend democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

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For more information, please contact:
Jean-François Lafleur
Association Secretary
Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF)
131 Queen Street, Room 05-19
Ottawa, Ontario
CAPF@parl.gc.ca
Tel: (613) 995-9560