Long time Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger dead at 61
Posted Aug 17, 2016 03:15:59 AM.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2016 03:17:28 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The man behind the more “gender neutral” change to our national anthem has passed away at the age of 61.
Long-time Liberal Member of Parliament Mauril Bélanger had been suffering from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease after being diagnosed last year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealing the sad news Tuesday night over Twitter.
In an official statement, Trudeau added, ““Mauril’s immense contributions to our country will be honoured and remembered. We are all the poorer for his passing.”
Bélanger’s private member’s bill was finally passed in June of this year.
He was first elected to Parliament in February 1995.
He held many Cabinet positions over the years, including Deputy House Leader and Government Whip.
Trudeau says Bélanger was a’ tireless advocate of francophone rights, national unity, and a fair and just society for all.’
