Camille Laurin

Camille Laurin

Camille Laurin (May 6, 1922 – March 11, 1999) was a Canadian psychiatrist and politician. He is best known for his role in the creation of Bill 101, also known as the Charter of the French Language, which established French as the official language of the province of Quebec.

Early Life and Education

Camille Laurin was born in Charlemagne, a small town in Quebec, Canada. He pursued his education in medicine and specialized in psychiatry. Laurin completed his medical degree at the Université de Montréal and furthered his studies in psychiatry in France.

Political Career

Laurin entered politics as a member of the Parti Québécois, a political party that advocates for the sovereignty of Quebec. He was first elected to the National Assembly of Quebec in 1970, representing the Bourget constituency. Although he lost his seat in the 1973 election, he was re-elected in 1976 and served until 1985.

Bill 101

As the Minister of Cultural Development in the government of René Lévesque, Laurin was the principal architect of Bill 101, the Charter of the French Language. The bill was passed in 1977 and aimed to promote the use of French in Quebec, particularly in business, education, and government. It established French as the official language of the province and introduced measures to ensure its predominance in various sectors.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from politics, Laurin continued to be an influential figure in Quebec society. He remained a strong advocate for the French language and Quebec sovereignty. Laurin passed away on March 11, 1999, in Montreal, Quebec.

His contributions to the promotion of the French language in Quebec have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a key figure in the province's cultural and political history.

Related Pages

• Parti Québécois
• Bill 101
• Charter of the French Language
• René Lévesque
• National Assembly of Quebec
• Quebec sovereignty movement