Gaspard Fauteux, Canadian dentist and politician, 19th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec (b. 1898)

A prominent figure in mid-20th century Canadian public life, Gaspard Fauteux (August 27, 1898 – March 29, 1963) carved out a distinguished, if sometimes challenging, career that spanned provincial and federal politics, culminating in roles as the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada and later as the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.

Early Life and a Legacy of Public Service

Born into a deeply entrenched political family in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Gaspard Fauteux seemed almost destined for public service. His lineage boasted an impressive array of prominent Quebec leaders, including his grandfather, Honoré Mercier, and his uncle, Lomer Gouin, both of whom had served as Premiers of Quebec. Further solidifying these connections, his grandmother’s second husband was Joseph Godbout, a Liberal Member of Parliament who later became a Senator. Even his brother, Gérald Fauteux, achieved distinction as a judge, underscoring the family's pervasive influence across Canadian institutions. Beyond his public persona, Fauteux established his own family, marrying Marguerite Barré, the daughter of Canadian artist and animator Raoul Barré, on September 18, 1923. Together, they raised four children: Roger, Paul, Marie (Mimi), and Gaspard Jr.

From Professional Life to Political Arena

Before dedicating himself entirely to politics, Fauteux first pursued a career as a dentist, a testament to his diverse aptitudes. He later transitioned into the business world, gaining valuable experience that would undoubtedly inform his political acumen. His initial foray into the political fray was quite dramatic, marking his entry into the Quebec legislature. Representing the Quebec Liberal Party, he achieved a notable victory by unseating the formidable Quebec Conservative Party leader and Mayor of Montreal, Camillien Houde, in a provincial election. This early triumph established him as a significant political force. However, his provincial tenure was not without its setbacks; he lost his seat in 1935, prompting a temporary return to his business pursuits.

Federal Service and a Defining Rivalry

Fauteux’s political journey soon led him to the federal stage. He was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada from the Quebec riding of St. Mary in a 1942 by-election. This marked the beginning of a significant federal career, which saw him re-elected in the 1945 federal election – a contest where he once again faced and defeated his old rival, Camillien Houde. His consistent electoral success in these key battles against a prominent figure like Houde underscored his public appeal. He secured a third term in the House following the 1949 election, firmly establishing himself as a respected Canadian parliamentarian.

A Voice in Parliament and on the World Stage

During his time in Ottawa, Fauteux was not merely a passive participant. He took a principled stand on the contentious issue of conscription, vocally opposing it—a position that resonated strongly with many in his home province of Quebec during the war years. His contributions extended beyond national borders, as he also served as a delegate to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Conference held in the aftermath of World War II, playing a part in the international efforts to rebuild a war-torn world.

The Speaker's Chair: A Challenging Tenure

Perhaps one of the most remarkable chapters in Gaspard Fauteux's career was his appointment as Speaker of the House of Commons following the 1945 election. This was a direct appointment by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, a decision that raised some eyebrows given Fauteux's relatively limited legal training and his comparatively short tenure in the House. True to some initial concerns, his inexperience in parliamentary procedure did lead to difficulties in the Chair. He was known for a habit of making decisions before Members of Parliament had fully presented their arguments, which could at times disrupt the decorum of the House. Despite these procedural hurdles, Fauteux often gravitated towards the social aspects of the Speakership, embracing its representational duties through frequent entertaining and extensive travel, projecting a more affable image of the office.

Lieutenant Governor of Quebec: A Return to Provincial Roots

After stepping down from the Speaker's role following the 1949 election, Fauteux returned to the backbenches, but his career in public service was far from over. In 1950, he was entrusted with a significant provincial office: the Lieutenant Governorship of Quebec. This appointment, made by Governor General Harold Alexander, Earl Alexander of Tunis, on the advice of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, brought him back to his roots in Quebec's governance. He served as the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec for eight years, from 1950 to 1958, acting as the representative of the Canadian monarch in the province, a role that combines ceremonial duties with important constitutional responsibilities.

Gaspard Fauteux passed away in 1963. He was laid to rest at the historic Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant who navigated the intricate world of Canadian politics, from the provincial legislature to the Speaker's Chair and the vice-regal office.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gaspard Fauteux

Who was Gaspard Fauteux?

Gaspard Fauteux was a prominent Canadian parliamentarian, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, and the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, active in Canadian politics from the 1930s through the 1950s.

What major political offices did Gaspard Fauteux hold?

He served as a Member of the Quebec legislature, a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons of Canada, Speaker of the House of Commons (1945–1949), and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec (1950–1958).

What was Gaspard Fauteux's family's political background?

Fauteux came from a distinguished political dynasty in Quebec. His grandfather, Honoré Mercier, and uncle, Lomer Gouin, both served as Premiers of Quebec. His grandmother's second husband, Joseph Godbout, was a Liberal MP and Senator, and his brother, Gérald Fauteux, was a judge.

What were some notable challenges or aspects of his tenure as Speaker of the House?

Despite being appointed by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Fauteux faced challenges due to his limited legal training and parliamentary inexperience. He sometimes made decisions prematurely, but also notably embraced the social and representational duties of the office.

When did Gaspard Fauteux serve as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec?

He served as the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec from 1950 to 1958, an appointment made on the advice of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent.