Deaths on January 19

Michel Guimond, Canadian lawyer and politician (b. 1953)

Michel Guimond (December 26, 1953 – January 19, 2015) was a prominent Canadian politician whose career spanned both municipal and federal levels, culminating in a significant period of service in the House of Commons. Renowned for his dedication to public service and his advocacy for Quebec’s interests, Guimond left a lasting mark on Canadian parliamentary life before his untimely passing.

Early Political Footings: Municipal Service in Boischatel

Michel Guimond’s political journey commenced at the municipal level, where he gained valuable foundational experience. From 1987 to 1993, he dedicated six years to serving as a city councillor in Boischatel, a municipality situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, near Quebec City. In this local capacity, Guimond focused on community development and addressed the specific needs of his constituents, honing the skills that would prove crucial in his later federal career.

A Distinguished Career in Federal Politics with the Bloc Québécois

Following his municipal tenure, Michel Guimond transitioned to national politics. A lawyer by profession, his analytical mind and commitment to Quebec's distinct identity found a natural home within the Bloc Québécois, a federal political party established to defend the interests of Quebecers and promote the sovereignty of Quebec within the Canadian Parliament.

Guimond successfully entered the federal arena in the 1993 federal election. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Beauport—Montmorency—Orléans, securing his seat in the House of Commons of Canada. The House of Commons serves as the lower house of the Canadian Parliament, where elected representatives from across the country debate and vote on national legislation.

Consecutive Electoral Victories and Evolving Ridings

His effectiveness and dedication resonated with voters, leading to his re-election in multiple subsequent federal contests. He was successfully re-elected in:

• The 1997 and 2000 federal elections, representing the newly delimited riding of Beauport—Montmorency—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île-d'Orléans. Electoral ridings, or constituencies, in Canada are subject to redistribution based on population shifts, which often leads to changes in their names and boundaries.
• The 2004 federal election, for the riding of Charlevoix—Montmorency.
• Both the 2004 and 2008 federal elections, under the revised riding of Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord.

Michel Guimond’s long-standing presence in the House of Commons, spanning nearly two decades, solidified his reputation as an experienced and respected parliamentarian for his constituents across these evolving electoral districts.

Key Parliamentary Roles and Contributions

During his extensive tenure in Ottawa, Michel Guimond held several critical positions that underscored his expertise and commitment to the parliamentary process. He was a valuable asset to the Bloc Québécois in various capacities:

• Bloc Critic: Leveraging his legal background and deep understanding of government operations, he served as the Bloc Québécois's official critic for several key portfolios, including Parliamentary Affairs, Transport, and to the Auditor General. As a critic, an opposition Member of Parliament is designated to scrutinize the policies, spending, and operations of a specific government ministry or independent office, holding the government accountable.
• Whip and Deputy Whip: Guimond also played vital roles in maintaining party discipline and ensuring procedural efficiency, serving as both whip and deputy whip of the Bloc Québécois. The whip's primary responsibility is to ensure that party members attend and vote as directed by the party leadership.
• Vice-Chair of Standing Committee: His commitment to parliamentary procedure was further evidenced by his role as the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. This influential committee is responsible for examining matters related to the House of Commons' practices, procedures, and administration.

Provincial Endeavor and Later Years

After a distinguished federal career, Michel Guimond sought to continue his public service at the provincial level. In the 2014 provincial election, he ran as a candidate for the Parti Québécois, a provincial political party that also advocates for Quebec sovereignty and distinct interests, much like its federal counterpart, the Bloc Québécois. He ran to represent the provincial riding of Montmorency but was ultimately unsuccessful in securing a seat in the National Assembly of Quebec.

Passing and Legacy

Michel Guimond passed away on January 19, 2015, at the age of 61, due to heart failure. His death marked the end of a dedicated career in Canadian politics, characterized by his unwavering commitment to his constituents and his steadfast advocacy for Quebec's place within Canada. He is remembered for his significant contributions to parliamentary debate, his roles in maintaining party discipline, and his tireless work as a critic for various portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michel Guimond

When was Michel Guimond born and when did he pass away?

Michel Guimond was born on December 26, 1953, and he passed away on January 19, 2015.

What political parties did Michel Guimond represent?

He primarily represented the Bloc Québécois at the federal level and later ran for the Parti Québécois in a provincial election.

What was Michel Guimond's professional background before entering politics?

Michel Guimond was a lawyer by profession, a background that informed his understanding of parliamentary procedures and legislative scrutiny.

Which ridings did Michel Guimond represent in the House of Commons?

Over his tenure, he represented Beauport—Montmorency—Orléans; Beauport—Montmorency—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île-d'Orléans; Charlevoix—Montmorency; and Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord due to electoral redistribution.

What significant roles did Michel Guimond hold within the Bloc Québécois and Parliament?

He served as the Bloc critic for Parliamentary Affairs, Transport, and to the Auditor General. He was also the whip and deputy whip of the Bloc Québécois, and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.