Francine Lalonde, Canadian educator and politician (b. 1940)

Francine Lalonde, born on August 24, 1940, and passing away on January 17, 2014, was a prominent Canadian politician whose career spanned both the federal and provincial levels of government. Her impactful journey in public service was preceded by a distinguished professional life as a dedicated lecturer, a compassionate teacher, and a committed unionist, demonstrating her early dedication to advocacy and education.

Her initial foray into active politics saw her serve briefly but significantly at the provincial level in Quebec. From January 16, 1985, until June 5, 1985, she held the important portfolio of Minister responsible for the Status of Women within the government led by Premier René Lévesque. This role underscored her commitment to gender equality and women's rights during a period of evolving social policy in Quebec. However, her tenure in the National Assembly of Quebec was short-lived. She resigned following her defeat in a by-election on June 3, 1985, for the electoral district of Bertrand, where she was challenged and ultimately bested by the future Premier, Robert Bourassa, then leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. This defeat prevented her from securing a seat in the provincial legislature.

Despite this setback at the provincial level, Francine Lalonde's political career flourished federally. She became a highly respected and long-serving Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bloc Québécois, a federal political party dedicated to promoting Quebec's interests and, ultimately, its sovereignty within Canada. She represented two different electoral districts during her federal career. From the 1993 federal election until 2004, she served the constituents of Mercier. Subsequently, from the 2004 election until her retirement in 2011, she represented La Pointe-de-l'Île. Throughout her extensive time in the House of Commons of Canada, Ms. Lalonde held significant critic roles for the Bloc Québécois. Her diverse responsibilities included serving as the official opposition critic for portfolios such as Human Resources Development, Industry, and notably, Foreign Affairs, showcasing her broad expertise and influence on national and international issues.

One of Francine Lalonde's most significant legislative initiatives was her advocacy for the legalization of medical assistance in dying. In June 2005, she introduced Bill C-407, a private member's bill in the Canadian Parliament, which aimed to legalize assisted suicide. Her unwavering commitment to this deeply personal and ethically complex issue was evident when, following her re-election in January 2006, she publicly promised to reintroduce her bill. Her advocacy played a crucial role in raising public awareness and initiating parliamentary debate on the right to die with dignity, an issue that would eventually lead to the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada years after her parliamentary efforts.

On September 13, 2010, Francine Lalonde announced her decision not to seek re-election at the end of her parliamentary mandate. In a poignant statement, she cited the "re-emergence of my cancer and the need to pursue new treatments" as the reason for her departure from public life. Her battle with cancer ultimately concluded on January 17, 2014, when she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and courageous advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francine Lalonde

Who was Francine Lalonde?

Francine Lalonde was a distinguished Canadian politician who served both in the provincial government of Quebec as Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and for many years as a federal Member of Parliament for the Bloc Québécois in the House of Commons of Canada.

What was Francine Lalonde's political background?

Before entering politics, she was a lecturer, teacher, and unionist. Her political career included a brief period as a provincial minister in Quebec in 1985, followed by a long and impactful tenure as a federal MP from 1993 to 2011.

Which electoral districts did Francine Lalonde represent in federal politics?

In the House of Commons, Francine Lalonde represented the federal electoral district of Mercier from 1993 to 2004, and subsequently the district of La Pointe-de-l'Île from 2004 until her retirement in 2011.

What significant legislation did Francine Lalonde advocate for?

Francine Lalonde was a vocal advocate for the legalization of assisted dying in Canada. She introduced Bill C-407, a private member's bill, in 2005 and committed to reintroducing it, playing a pioneering role in the public and parliamentary debate that eventually led to the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada.

When did Francine Lalonde retire from politics and why?

She announced her decision not to seek re-election on September 13, 2010, citing the re-emergence of her cancer and the necessity of pursuing new treatments. Her final mandate concluded in 2011.