Jean-Robert Gauthier helped to put language rights on the map in Canada. Since arriving on the federal political scene in 1972, and until his retirement from the Senate in 2004, he played an important role in advancing issues of vital concern for the future of the Francophonie. In recognition of his commitment, he was appointed honorary chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to the Franco-Ontarian community while contributing to a renewed dialogue between Canada's linguistic communities.