Bernard Grandmaître, ‘Father of the French Language Services Act’ in Ontario, passes away

Bernard Grandmaître passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the age of 92. The former Vanier mayor and Ontario MPP who was known as the “Father of the French Language Services Act” in Ontario. (La Cite/X)

There have been tributes across Ottawa for Bernard Grandmaître, the former Vanier mayor and Ontario MPP who was known as the “Father of the French Language Services Act” in Ontario.

Grandmaître passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92.

He was born in Vanier and served as a mayor of Vanier. He then became MPP for Ottawa-Vanier and was the Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs, helping to pass the French Languages Services Act in 1986 which guarantees the rights of individuals to receive services in French from the Ontario government.

In a post on social media, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called Grandmaître “a greater builder of Ottawa’s Francophone community.”

“A passionate teacher and a member of the Order of Canada, Bernard inspired an entire generation of young Franco-Ontarian leaders,” Sutcliffe said. “He leaves an entire community in mourning, and I offer my sympathies to his family and friends.”

Ottawa-Vanier Council Stephanie Plante called Grandmaître a “true builder of our community.”

“His lifelong dedication to the French language and to the cultural vitality of Ontario has inspired generations and will continue to guide francophones for years to come,” Plante said.

“The arena that bears his name in Vanier remains a living symbol of his commitment to community — a place for connection, sport, and solidarity. It has been a privilege to help return this space to the community in his honour.”

Ottawa Vanier Liberal MPP Lucille Collard said it was a “sad day for the Francophone community.”

“Bernard Grandmaître made his mark on the history of Franco-Ontarians through his commitment & passion. His legacy will live on through those he inspired,” Collard said on X.

La Cite said, “A staunch defender of linguistic rights, he leaves behind a lasting and inspiring legacy for all generations to come.”

Ottawa’s French Catholic school board named a school on Spratt Road, Ecole Bernard-Grandmaître.

Grandmaître was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2013 for his devotion to public service.