Statement by Nycole Turmel on the death of Pierre Juneau

Following the death of Pierre Juneau, I would like to acknowledge the exceptional contribution that this great Canadian has made to our society.

In all the positions he held over the course of his long and rich career, Pierre Juneau made the defence and protection of public services and Canadian cultural identity his priority.

At the National Film Board, he was an inspiring pioneer in the development of the NFB’s French program, which allowed many talented francophone filmmakers to make a name for themselves.

As the first president of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, he reinforced the presence of Canadian interests in the media world and established regulations to solidify Canadian content.

And as president of Radio-Canada/CBC, he relentlessly defended the political independence of that crown corporation and worked to Canadianize its programming.

Servant of the state, Pierre Juneau was above all at the service of Canadians.

On behalf of all New Democrats, I salute his exemplary contribution to shaping the face of Canada.

To his family and loved ones, I offer my sincere condolences.