Laurier LaPierre
Laurier L. LaPierre OC (November 21, 1929 – December 16, 2012) was a Canadian Senator, professor, broadcaster, journalist and author. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Honourable Laurier LaPierre OC | |
|---|---|
LaPierre in 2008 | |
| Senator from Ontario | |
| In office June 13, 2001 – November 21, 2004 | |
| Nominated by | Jean Chrétien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1929 Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | December 16, 2012 (aged 83) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party |
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| Spouse |
Paula (Jo) Armstrong
(m. 1960; div. 1982) |
| Education | St Michael's College, Toronto |
| Profession | Author, journalist, historian |
Fluently bilingual, LaPierre was best known for having been co-host with Patrick Watson of the CBC's influential public affairs show This Hour Has Seven Days in the 1960s. After the show's much publicized cancellation, LaPierre moved to politics as a "star candidate" for the New Democratic Party in the 1968 federal election. The party was hoping that he would help achieve an electoral breakthrough in Quebec, but he came second in the riding of Lachine with 19.5% of the vote.
He returned to teaching, broadcasting and writing until his appointment to the Senate in June 2001. As a member of the Liberal caucus, LaPierre was an outspoken supporter of Jean Chrétien against supporters of rival Paul Martin.