Michel Chartrand 1916 - 2010

A fighting trade unionist and socialist

I met Michel Chartrand in 1977 when I was in Montreal with a group of sociology and political science students exploring the exciting political scene in Quebec at that time. Part of our itinerary was meeting with the International Solidarity commission of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) (Confederation of National Trade Unions).

Michel dropped in having heard that there were students from Saskatchewan visiting. He was quite dashing and spoke English well. He praised Saskatchewan's history of democratic socialism and expressed admiration for the CCF and its accomplishments. I dare say he knew more about Saskatchewan politics than we knew of Quebec politics at that time.

I still haven't found a good book in English about him. He remained a principled and steadfast radical and socialist 'till the end. An example to us all. - NYC

Montreal Gazette:  Quebec firebrand Michel Chartrand dies at 93
Socialist Project Bullet Memories of Michel