SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 304 - Apr/29/24

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Apr/29/24 1:59:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Quebec lost one of its leading singer-songwriters on Saturday. Jean-Pierre Ferland passed away at 89 after a career spanning over 65 years, during which he wrote over 450 songs and released some 30 albums. From his early days with Les Bozos to the Plains of Abraham, where he sang with two music icons, Céline Dion and Ginette Renaud, he had a huge impact on the boîtes à chansons era, made his mark in Paris and won several awards. His poetry reflected his open vulnerability with powerful imagery expressed in simple words. He loved women and our beautiful French language, and his words touched the hearts of many generations. Mr. Ferland is now a little higher up there, a little farther away, but we are lucky to have had him. As he wrote, “Whatever dies is given more weight and significance”. In his final spring, those words clearly ring true.

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Context: House Hansard - 304 - Apr/29/24

Mr. Joël Godin (Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, CPC)

Apr/29/24 2:00:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Jean-Pierre Ferland made his mark on the history of Quebec and international music with his inimitable voice and timeless compositions. His outstanding career spanned more than six decades, and included popular hits like Je reviens chez nous and Un peu plus haut, un peu plus loin. Jean-Pierre Ferland was a poet of song, captivating his audience with his meaningful lyrics and haunting melodies. The influence of his musical legacy will live on in future generations of artists and fans. His passion for music and his dedication to his art and his language, French, have become a lasting part of Quebec's cultural landscape. Jean-Pierre Ferland is a true musical legend. His songs will continue to resonate across time, bringing comfort and inspiration to everyone who hears them. I can assure Jean-Pierre that we will keep the fires burning so that our home remains the warmest, most welcoming and most enduring of places. My wife Isabelle and all Quebeckers join me in thanking him and wishing him a final bon voyage.

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Context: House Hansard - 304 - Apr/29/24

Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ)

Apr/29/24 2:03:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, a truly great man passed away on Saturday. Jean-Pierre Ferland, known to all as our petit roi, is mourned by his wife, his family and millions of grieving subjects. Quebec swayed to his music for more than 65 years. He was born in Montreal like a flower blooming in a cracked sidewalk and later settled in Saint-Norbert. He bestowed upon us hundreds of songs, each a masterpiece. From Immortels and Écoute pas ça to Je reviens chez nous and Un peu plus haut, un peu plus loin, his repertoire is marvellous and monumental. He sang of love and women his whole life long. His magnum opus, Jaune, was a massive success and perhaps the greatest album in Quebec history. Fortunately, he is not really gone, not truly. I will always be with you On your shoulders, in your lapI am because we must exist The artist café's constant cat I am grateful to Jean-Pierre. We were lucky to have had him.

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Context: House Hansard - 304 - Apr/29/24

The Speaker

Apr/29/24 3:13:13 p.m.
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Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence in memory of Jean-Pierre Ferland. I invite hon. members to rise. [A moment of silence observed]

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