Paul Gérin-Lajoie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Gérin-Lajoie
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| MNA for Vaudreuil-Soulanges | |
| In office 1960–1969 |
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| Preceded by | Loyola Schmidt |
| Succeeded by | François-Edouard Belliveau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 23, 1920 Montreal, Quebec |
| Died | June 25, 2018 (aged 98) |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Cabinet | Minister of Youth (1960–1964) Minister of Education (1964–1966) |
Paul Gérin-Lajoie (born February 23, 1920 – died June 25, 2018) was an important Canadian person. He was a lawyer, a politician, and someone who loved helping others (a philanthropist). He is best known for his work in education in Quebec.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Paul Gérin-Lajoie was born in Montreal, Quebec. He went to school at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and the Université de Montréal. He was very smart and even won a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholarship. This allowed him to study at Oxford University in England.
A Career in Politics
Paul Gérin-Lajoie wanted to help people through politics. He ran for a political job in a place called Vaudreuil-Soulanges. He tried in 1956 and 1957 but didn't win.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Finally, in the 1960 election, he was elected! He became a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for the Liberal party. He was re-elected two more times, in 1962 and 1966.
Important Roles in Government
From 1960 to 1964, he was the Minister of Youth. This meant he was in charge of things that helped young people. Then, in 1964, he became the very first Minister of Education since 1875! He worked in this important role until 1966. As Minister of Education, he helped shape how schools worked in Quebec.
Helping Countries Around the World
After his time in Quebec politics, Paul Gérin-Lajoie continued to help others. From 1970 to 1977, he was the president of the Canadian International Development Agency. This agency helps developing countries around the world.
Helping Others: The Foundation
In 1977, Paul Gérin-Lajoie started his own organization called the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation. This foundation works to give children a basic education. It helps kids get the schooling they need to learn and grow.
