Gilles Lamontagne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilles Lamontagne
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| 24th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec | |
| In office March 28, 1984 – August 9, 1990 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Edward Schreyer Jeanne Sauvé Ray Hnatyshyn |
| Premier | René Lévesque Pierre-Marc Johnson Robert Bourassa |
| Preceded by | Jean-Pierre Côté |
| Succeeded by | Martial Asselin |
| Member of the Canadian Parliament for Langelier |
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| In office May 24, 1977 – March 28, 1984 |
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| Preceded by | Jean Marchand |
| Succeeded by | Michel Côté |
| Mayor of Quebec City | |
| In office December 1, 1965 – December 1, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Wilfrid Hamel |
| Succeeded by | Jean Pelletier |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph-Georges-Gilles-Claude Lamontagne
April 17, 1919 Montreal, Quebec |
| Died | June 14, 2016 (aged 97) Quebec City, Quebec |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Awards |
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| Military service | |
| Branch/service | .svg){kind=small} Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941-1945 |
| Rank |  Flight Lieutenant / Bomber Pilot |
Gilles Lamontagne (April 17, 1919 – June 14, 2016) was an important Canadian politician. He served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. He also held several other important roles during his life.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Gilles Lamontagne was born in Montreal, Quebec. His full name was Joseph-Georges-Gilles-Claude Lamontagne. He grew up and later served his country.
World War II Experience
During World War II, Lamontagne joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He became a bomber pilot. He flew missions with No 425 Squadron. In 1943, his plane was shot down over the Netherlands. He was captured and became a prisoner of war. He remained a prisoner until May 1945. When the war ended, he was released. He finished his air force service as a flight lieutenant.
Starting a New Life
After the war, in 1946, Lamontagne moved to Quebec City. He started a business importing goods. He also became a member of the Rotary Club of Quebec City. This club helps people in the community.
Political Career
Gilles Lamontagne decided to enter politics. He wanted to help his community and country.
Mayor of Quebec City
In 1965, he was elected mayor of Quebec City. This was a very important job. He was in charge of the city's government. He served as mayor for 12 years.
Member of Parliament
In 1977, Lamontagne won a seat in the House of Commons of Canada. This is where Canada's laws are made. He represented the Liberal Party. He became a Member of Parliament (MP).
Serving in the Cabinet
In 1978, he joined the Cabinet of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The Cabinet is a group of top government ministers. He first served as a Minister without Portfolio. This means he had no specific department. Later, he became the Postmaster General. This role was in charge of Canada's postal service. He held this position until the government changed in 1979. When the Liberals won again in 1980, Lamontagne returned to Cabinet. He became the Minister of National Defence. This is a very important job, overseeing Canada's military.
Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec
In 1984, Gilles Lamontagne left federal politics. He accepted a new role. He became the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec.
Role of Lieutenant-Governor
The Lieutenant-Governor is the King's representative in a Canadian province. They act on behalf of the monarch. This role is mostly ceremonial. They ensure the government follows the rules. Lamontagne served as Quebec's viceroy until he retired in 1990.
Personal Life and Awards
Gilles Lamontagne married Mary Schaefer in 1949. They had four children and five grandchildren. Mary Schaefer passed away in 2006. Gilles Lamontagne lived a long life. He died in 2016 at the age of 97.
Honours and Recognition
Lamontagne received many awards for his service. In 1990, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours. In 2000, he became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec. This is Quebec's highest honour. In 2005, he was made a member of l'Ordre des Grands Québécois. He was also an honorary member of the Royal Military College of Canada club.
See also
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for Gilles Lamontagne.
