Tribute to a Pioneer and a Great Beauceron Entrepreneur

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada designates the late Édouard Lacroix as a person of national historic significance

SAINT GEORGES, QC, May 20 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament for Beauce, today unveiled a plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorating the national historic significance of Édouard Lacroix.

"I am proud to participate in this commemoration paying tribute to a person who is very dear to Beaucerons. As the head of one of the greatest logging companies in Eastern North America, Édouard Lacroix is recognized as a pioneer of Canadian entrepreneurship. It's a pleasure to be here to celebrate his life and work," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier.

The Beauce business leader built an extensive industrial empire in Quebec, the Maritimes, and New England. Making use of land in the Appalachians previously considered to be inaccessible, Édouard Lacroix helped integrate both lumber and pulp and paper industries in the Saint John River basin and contributed to the growth of Quebec's forest industry. A rare Francophone among industrial leaders of the interwar period, his example encouraged other French-Canadian entrepreneurs. Elected as Member of Parliament for Beauce in 1925, this French Canadian played an influential role in both Quebec and Canadian politics for many years.

"The unusual journey of this French-Canadian entrepreneur is remarkable. He managed to work his way up to the top of the North American logging industry while being an active politician at the forefront of politics in Quebec and Canada," added Mr. Bernier.

The ceremony took place at Le Georgesville Convention Centre with many guests in attendance, including the grandson of Édouard Lacroix, Mr. Marcel Dutil, and representatives of the Beauce Historical Society.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

For further information: Mélissa Larose, Communications, Advisor, Office of the Director General, Eastern Canada Parks Canada, [phone]