Laurier LaPierre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurier LaPierre
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LaPierre in 2008
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| Senator from Ontario | |
| In office June 13, 2001 – November 21, 2004 |
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| Nominated by | Jean Chrétien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1929 Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | December 16, 2012 (aged 83) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party |
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| Spouse |
Paula (Jo) Armstrong
(m. 1960; div. 1982) |
| Education | St Michael's College, Toronto |
| Profession | Author, journalist, historian |
Laurier L. LaPierre (November 21, 1929 – December 16, 2012) was an important Canadian figure. He was a Senator, a university professor, a well-known broadcaster, a journalist, and an author. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.
LaPierre spoke both English and French very well. He was best known for co-hosting a popular TV show called This Hour Has Seven Days in the 1960s. He hosted it with Patrick Watson. This show was important for discussing public issues.
After the TV show ended, LaPierre decided to enter politics. He ran for the New Democratic Party in the 1968 federal election. The party hoped he would help them win more votes in Quebec. However, he came in second place in his local area, called a riding.
He later went back to teaching, broadcasting, and writing. In June 2001, he was chosen to become a Senator. As a Senator, he was part of the Liberal Party group, called a caucus. He strongly supported Jean Chrétien, who was the Prime Minister at the time.
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Early Life and Education
Laurier LaPierre was born in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. His family later moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec, where he finished high school. He then studied at St Michael's College, Toronto at the University of Toronto.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955. He continued his studies and received a Master of Arts degree in 1957. In 1962, he earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Toronto.
During his university years, he also taught part-time at Upper Canada College in Toronto.
Teaching Career
LaPierre taught history at several universities.
- From 1959 to 1961, he taught at the College of Christ the King (now King's College) at the University of Western Ontario.
- From 1961 to 1963, he taught at Loyola College in Montreal (now part of Concordia University).
- From 1963 to 1978, he taught at McGill University.
In 1978, he moved to Vancouver to work in television. He also taught for a short time at Simon Fraser University.
Family Life
In 1960, Laurier LaPierre married Paula (Jo) Armstrong. They had two sons: Dominic, born in 1962, and Thomas, born in 1965. They later divorced in 1982. LaPierre had five grandchildren: Paige, Alex, Georgia, Toby, and Owen.
In 1990, he moved to Ottawa. He continued to work in broadcasting and writing. He lived in Ottawa until he passed away.
Author and Journalist
Laurier LaPierre wrote several popular history books. Some of his books include:
- Quebec: A Tale of Love
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Romance of Canada
- 1759: The Battle for Canada
- Québec hier et aujourd'hui (Quebec Yesterday and Today)
- The Apprenticeship of Canada, 1876–1914
He also wrote articles for different publications. These included The Financial Post, International Review, Canadian Forum, and the Encyclopædia Britannica.
Later Life and Passing
Laurier LaPierre was recognized for his important contributions to Canada. In 1994, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award is one of Canada's highest honors. He was praised as one of Canada's "most valuable political commentators and respected champions of social justice."
He passed away on December 16, 2012, at the age of 83. As he wished, his ashes were spread off the coast of British Columbia. A large memorial was later built in his name at the small MacLaren Cemetery near Wakefield, Quebec. This cemetery is close to the graves of his ex-wife's uncle, Hume Wrong, and former prime minister Lester B. Pearson.
The McGill University Archives holds a large collection of his papers. These documents show different parts of his career, including his work as a professor, journalist, politician, and businessman.
Images for kids
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Memorial at Maclaren Cemetery
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