Références utiles

Communiqués de presse

The Commission de toponymie restores the name Pont Papineau-Leblanc

Québec, le 20 janvier 2000 - The Commission de toponymie reinstated the name Pont Papineau-Leblanc during its session today. After the Rizzuto family requested that the Pont Pietro-Rizzuto commemorative project be abandoned, the Commission reached the conclusion that restoring the original name would allow the achievements of Senator Rizzuto to be honoured under better circumstances. The Commission therefore considers that it is in the general interest to commemorate this notable Quebecer in an important site that has not yet been named.

On November 18, 1999, the Commission renamed the Pont Papineau-Leblanc Pont Pietro-Rizzuto to pay tribute to the significant contribution of Pietro Rizzuto by incorporating his name into Québec geography. The request for this name change, a private initiative, was supported by citizens, local and national elected representatives and cultural associations. However, the decision to change the name was poorly received by other segments of the population and some of their representatives. Faced with this regrettable situation, which was particularly troubling the families concerned, the Commission took into account the extent of the movement opposing the name change, and made its decision accordingly. In addition, in response to the wishes expressed by the Minister in charge of the Charte de la langue française, Ms. Louise Beaudoin, on January 14, the Commission will now publish a NOTICE OF INTENTION before officially replacing the significant name of an important site or a name that has cultural or historical value. This procedure will ensure that all individuals and organizations concerned can express their opinion before the change takes place.

The Commission assures the individuals and organizations that are dedicated to commemorating the illustrious contributions of Quebecers through geographical names that it is firmly committed to celebrating the contributions of all Quebecers, regardless of their cultural origin, and that it will continue this practice in the spirit of equity and openness. The public can find out more about the Commission de toponymie by visiting its website (http://www.toponymie.gouv.qc.ca), which also contains information regarding its policy of commemorative toponymical designation, and the toponymical standards governing the selection and spelling of names.