Last Thursday, the Montfort Foundation’s team unveiled the structures recognizing the exceptional gift made by Jean Chrétien and his friends, in honour of his late wife, Aline Chrétien. For this event, several important names of the Canadian political scene were present to celebrate the career of this great lady who played an active role in the life of her husband and in the world of politics in Canada and abroad.
To highlight the work and involvement of this great lady, two recognition plaques are now displayed on either side of the portrait of Mrs. Chrétien, which occupies a central place at the Hub, just in front of the recognition wall for major donors to the Aline-Chrétien Health Hub fundraising campaign. This wall is THE recognition structure that keeps getting noticed by visitors. It is safe to assume that Mrs. Chrétien’s painting will be just as seen.
Following the unveiling, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien took the floor to thank the Montfort Foundation for this recognition and shared a very interesting anecdote about his wife. According to Mr. Chrétien, it is because of her that Canada did not participate in the war in Iraq in the early 2000s. Mrs. Chrétien would have intervened to get her husband to run again as Prime Minister of Canada; Mr. Chrétien’s election victory guaranteed Canada’s neutrality during that conflict.
Finally, it is thanks to the talent of Bernard Poulin, a full-time painter and portraitist for 45 years and the husband of retired Senator Marie-Paule Charette-Poulin, that this work of art was created. In his touching address, Mr. Poulin spoke of Aline Chrétien’s connection to the world of health and how her image will have a positive impact on the people who benefit from the services of the Aline-Chrétien Health Hub.
“During the last years of her life she suffered greatly but, despite her growing illness, she remained herself – strong, courageous, curious, respectful and above all the fine Madame Aline. My role is to represent her to you as I saw her.” – Bernard Poulin
