Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Renowned Franco‑Manitoban architect Étienne Gaboury, who designed over 300 buildings around the world, passed away at the age of 92. Today I would like to pay tribute to this exceptional man, whose engagement serves as an example to us all.

Étienne Gaboury was a passionate, intuitive and expressive artist. Thanks to his artistry and his unwavering devotion, he made a major contribution to our architectural heritage. His works are imbued with meaning; they awaken the mind. Gaboury was a prairie boy who treasured natural light. Natural light was a signature component of all his projects, bestowing character on spaces and dictating a building’s form and, by extension, how it was built.

Étienne Gaboury’s works are found around the world, in my hometown of Saint-Pierre-Jolys, Saint-Boniface and Winnipeg, Manitoba, next door in Saskatchewan and further afield in places like Mexico, the United States, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Cambodia, China, Japan, Spain and Finland, to name but a few.

This internationally renowned architect was also very community-minded. He was an architect by training, but it’s important to note that he was also one of the main architects behind the Société de la francophonie manitobaine. Étienne remained engaged and involved in his community throughout his entire life. He brought his experience and knowledge to the table, while ensuring that people were always at the heart of his projects, a key part of his architectural practice and all community development plans.

It will come as no surprise that Étienne Gaboury received many honours across the globe and numerous awards during his career. He was also awarded the Order of Canada in 2010 and the Order of Manitoba in 2012. He received honorary doctorates from the Université de Saint-Boniface and the University of Manitoba. The Université de Saint-Boniface student centre, which he designed himself, now bears his name, in honour of his life and work.

Behind all these architectural jewels is Étienne Gaboury, the family man, husband of Claire, father of Lise, Pierre, Jacques and François, and grandfather of 12 grandchildren and three great‑grandchildren.

Rest in peace, my friend Étienne, and thank you for shining your light on all of us.