Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Death of Gaétan Soucy

OTTAWA, July 12, 2013 /CNW/ - I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gaétan Soucy, a talented writer, whose works have won several awards.

Born in Montréal, on October 21, 1958, Gaétan Soucy studied physics and mathematics at the University of Montréal and literature at the University of Quebec before earning a Master's degree in philosophy. In addition to being a writer, he was a professor of philosophy at the Collège Édouard-Montpetit, in Longueuil, Quebec.

In 1994, Mr. Soucy published his first novel, The Immaculate Conception, which won the Grand Prix du livre de Montréal. His third novel, The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches, was translated into twenty languages and was awarded the Prix Ringuet de l'Académie des lettres du Québec. This literary artist will continue to hold a place of honour in the history of French-language literature.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I offer my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Gaétan Soucy.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage