The question, when posed hot, inevitably triggers passionate reactions, as intense as they are immense.
Who is the honor of state funerals or official ceremonies? This decision taken in an emergency and under the emotional pressure of the population is a matter of the government. However, in the absence of clear beacons, the risk is great to achieve choices perceived as arbitrary, inevitably leading to criticism or frustrations.
The only relatively well established rule seems to be the one that provides for state funerals for former elected prime ministers. It is also plausible that the Quebec Protocol has already planned scenarios for this purpose for the former PM still alive (Lucien Bouchard, Jean Charest, Pauline Marois, Philippe Couillard) as well as for the current holder of the post. But what about those who led without ever being elected by universal suffrage? Jean-Jacques Bertrand or Bernard Landry, for example, benefited from such an honor? And, in the long term, what recognition will be reserved for the Johnson brothers, Daniel son and Pierre-Marc?
Reflection extends far beyond the political sphere. The recent deaths of Victor-Lévy Beaulieu, renowned writer, and Serge Fiori, composer, raise the question of public recognition granted to the significant figures of Quebec culture. Who is the initiative of a tribute to? In what form? What protocol? And, ultimately, who has decision -making power? These same questions arose, without uniform response, on the occasion of the death of Marcel Dubé or René Angélil. One is disappeared in almost anonymity, the other was entitled to the bells of the Notre-Dame basilica.
With the passing of time, this question will arise with an increasing frequency, let us bring a structured answer.
Separate the religious from civic
A fundamental principle should guide any reflection: the Quebec state is secular, and this neutrality must be preserved, including within the framework of posthumous tributes. However, funerals, by definition, generally fall under the religious domain. In Quebec, they are still very often of Catholic rite. What will we do when the time comes to honor a personality of another confession or none?
With this in mind, the state should be withdrawn from all participation in religious rituals surrounding death. Let the families take care to organize these intimate moments, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.
On the other hand, nothing should prevent the State from organizing official or state ceremonies to salute the memory of citizens who have marked Quebec by their work, their ideas, their actions or their commitments. These ceremonies, planned with relatives, could be held in a symbolic place – theater, concert hall, church, arena -, without any form being imposed or excluded a priori.
Draw from what works
The National Order of Quebec, given each year to deserving personalities, offers a relevant model. It is based on public, flexible but rigorous rules, and benefits from a large consensus. The government would benefit from being inspired to supervise posthumous tributes, in order to prevent these solemn moments from becoming controversial or misunderstanding.
Because baby boomers are aging, and with them gradually fades a generation of builders. Quebec must have a framework to say thank you, greet, remember.
Thus, our collective motto, “I remember”, will find an echo up to its meaning.
Daniel Paillé
Ex-deputy of the National Assembly of Quebec and the Chamber of Commons of Canada, former Minister of the Government of Quebec and ex-chief of the Bloc Québécois
