Companion of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 4, 1995
• Invested on: November 16, 1995

Initially a well-known journalist, and subsequently the highly respected editor-publisher of Le Devoir, he was instrumental in making this daily newspaper one of the most authoritative of that era. During his political career he became provincial leader of his party and held various ministerial portfolios, including education, where he was successful in having the outdated Education Act amended. His participation in the 1980 referendum campaign established his reputation as a fervent defender of Canadian unity.