Former Governor General Romeo LeBlanc Dies

Former Governor General of Canada Romeo LeBlanc died on June 24, 2009 at his home in New Brunswick after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Governor General from 1995 to 1999, Romeo LeBlanc was a warm and unpretentious man who established the Caring Canadian Award to honour volunteers who spend much of their time helping others. “If I am to be known for anything, I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians, for knowing a little bit about their daily, extraordinary courage. And for wanting that courage to be recognized,” he said in his installation speech.

Romeo LeBlanc was a Liberal member of parliament, cabinet minister, senator and Speaker of the Senate before being appointed Governor General. During his time as fisheries minister in the 1970s, he helped establish the 200-mile fishing limit around Canada and played a key role in the International Law of the Sea Conferences.

As the first Acadian Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc used his own background to show how English and French can cooperate and how francophones both inside and outside Quebec can prosper.

More on the Governor General of Canada
Governor General Caring Canadian Award
Role of the Governor General of Canada
Governors General of Canada Since 1867
He Never, Ever Lost His Roots - The Globe and Mail
Romeo LeBlanc Remembered for Modesty and Passion - Canada.com