By Canadian Press

Governor general, ex-Quebec premiers to attend Jacques Chirac memorial service

Sep 29, 2019 | 2:15 PM

A Canadian delegation led by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette will attend a memorial service for former French president Jacques Chirac on Monday.

Chirac, who served as president of France between 1995 and 2007, died last Thursday at 86.

The former Paris mayor, a lawmaker and prime minister will have a memorial service Monday in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron and about 30 former or current heads of states and government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to attend, with a private funeral taking place later that day.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault said in a statement that former premiers Jean Charest and Lucien Bouchard would represent the province.

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In a statement, Legault thanked the pair for making themselves available on short notice, explaining he could not attend due to various commitments.

Legault said that Chirac was among those who inspired him to get into politics and paid tribute to his Chirac’s contribution to the deepening of France-Quebec relations.

Earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Payette, former prime minister Jean Chretien and Isabelle Hudon, Canada’s ambassador to France, would represent Canada.

Trudeau described Chirac as a “a great statesman who served the people of France with distinction.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2019.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press