With Appreciation to the Caucus Leaders and Senator Gold for allowing me time today, I rise as a feminist activist senator to pay tribute to the pioneering Quebecoise feminist, the Honourable Monique Bégin, who passed away in her Ottawa home some six weeks ago. In the words of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
"En 1972, Mme Bégin a été députée de la circonscription Montréalaise de Saint-Michel, devenant ainsi l'une des trois premières Québécoises à la chambre des communes....Militante passionée, Mme Bégin a laissé une marque indélébile sur le Canada."
Avant de faire son entrée aux communes, Mme Bégin a forgé sa réputation en tant que figure de proue du mouvement féministe au Québec.
En 1966, elle a notament signé la charte fondatrice de la fédération des femmes du Québec, dont elle a été la première vice-présidente. L'année suivante, elle a été nomée secrétaire générale de la cCommisision Royale d'enquête sur la situation de la femme au Canada, dont le rapport publié en 1970 demeure important encore aujourd'hui.
The Hon. Monique went on to have a distinguished career as Minister of National Revenue then Minister of Health and Welfare - bringing in both the Child Tax Benefit and then the Canada Health Act. As one of only two women in Cabinet during the 1980-82 era of constitutional renewal, Monique and her colleague, the Honourable Judy Erola, were protective of women's equality rights in the Charter of Rights. From personal experience, I can assure you that Monique quietly and effectively supported our activist efforts that protected the sex equality guarantee in S.28 from the S.33 Notwithstanding Clause.
After her political career, Monique became a distinguished scholar as the joint Chair of Women's Studies at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University followed by years as Dean of Health Sciences. In 2003, I reached out to her to ask if she would write the forward to the book I co-authored about an unpopular subject, entitled "Preventing Sexual Abuse of Patients - A Legal Guide for Health Professionals" and her endorsement helped to situate the book on curricula across Canada.
Her honorary degrees and awards are numerous -including the Governor General's medal commemorating the Persons Case in 2017 and elevation from Officer to Companion of the Order of Canada last year. Her friend Debra Davis wrote to me to remind that Monique was more than her awards, "she was a neighbour and a friend. With a wide circle of friends, former colleagues, political allies and young fans alike - she was a role model and inspiration. She was generous with her support and nurtured new generations."
One of the first - and most memorable- dinner invitations I received as a senator was from Monique who prepared a delicious repast shared with Senators Wallin and Nancy Ruth - quite the conversation!
Monique, Grande Dame, à la prochaine!
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Негізгі бет 2023-10-24: Tribute to the Honourable Monique Bégin
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