The news of the death of Mr. Paul Viau, Mayor of Hemmingford since 2013, sent shock waves through the community. The man was recognized for his leadership and his involvement in dealing with social issues.
Photo Les Jardins-de-Napierville RCM
Born on August 21th , 1949, Mr. Viau began his political career in 1984, as a municipal councillor. In 2003, he became mayor of the township of Hemmingford, then subsequently prefect of Les Jardins-de-Napierville RCM, a position he held until recently.
Dedicated to the development of the region, he was president of the Regional conference of representatives of Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent, of the Table de concertation régionale de la Montérégie as well as on several other bodies in the region.
It was the day after the announcement of the abolishment of regional conferences of elected officials and the transfer of their responsibilities to the RCMs that Mr. Viau took steps to ensure that regional expertise and achievements in regards to social development and educational success are not lost. This is how he was able to rally the five RCMs of western Montérégie (Beauharnois-Salaberry, Haut-Saint-Laurent, Jardins-de-Napierville, Roussillon and Vaudreuil-Soulanges) in order to form the integrated regional consultation, Concertation Horizon, for which the mission is to increase the capacity for collective action of stakeholders which promotes the improvement of living conditions.
“It is with great emotion that I learned of the death of Mr. Paul Viau. I had the privilege of talking with him when I took office in October 2020. He took the time to explain the history of Concertation Horizon to me and assured me of his availability and his deep commitment to the organization. In addition, Concertation Horizon awarded him the first title of honorary member last September in recognition of his commitment and significant contribution to the founding and development of the organization”, added Mr. Fimba Tankoano, director general of Concertation Horizon.
“On behalf of all the members of the Board of Directors and of the stakeholders table of Concertation Horizon, I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr. Viau’s family as well as to the many relatives and friends who worked with him over the years”, concluded Sylvie Gagnon-Breton, president of Concertation Horizon, mayor of Saint-Rémi and deputy prefect of Les Jardins-de-Napierville RCM.
Also, elected officials added their voices to pay tribute to the politician. This is particularly the case of the Member of Parliament for Hungtindon, Claire IsaBelle, who praised Mr. Viau’s dedication to the community while underlining her gratitude for his efforts for the good of the latter.
For her part, MNA Claude DeBellefeuille clarified that it was during her terms as MNA for Beauharnois-Salaberry, from 2006 to 2011 that she met Mr. Viau. “We met in 2012, when as prefect, he was working hard to have the development plan for Les Jardins-de-Napierville RCM adopted. I have always had a deep respect and affection for Paul. He was a devoted mayor and a committed prefect, particularly in the area of social development. A man who is easy to work with. Once again his Member of Parliament since October 2019, I was happy to find him again as a colleague. I am sad to hear of his passing and I will have fond memories of him. I extend my sympathies and warmest thoughts to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace dear Paul.”
