MNA for Crémazie wants to rename riding after Maurice 'Rocket' Richard
Hockey legend's son supports push to rename riding in his father's home neighbourhood
The MNA for the provincial electoral district of Crémazie is making a push to rename the riding after hockey great Maurice Richard, who lived in Ahuntsic, a neighbourhood in the riding, for more than 50 years.
"Maurice Richard was more than a great hockey player. He instilled a sense of pride in Quebecers at a critical time in history," says Liberal MNA Marie Montpetit.
He was one of the great builders of Quebec and an inspiration for many generations.- Crémazie MNA Marie Montpetit
"He was one of the great builders of Quebec and an inspiration for many generations."
The Ahuntsic Braves, the local minor hockey association, is also behind the proposal. Richard was one of the founding members of the organization and an outstanding volunteer.
Montpetit is also getting support from Richard's family.
"Our whole family would like to thank the community of Ahuntsic in their efforts to keep our father's legacy alive," says Maurice Richard Jr. "It's encouraging to see new generations wanting to keep my father's torch burning."
Who was Crémazie?
The Quebec Elections Act state that the names of electoral districts should reflect the culture and the history of the people who live in the riding.
Crémazie Boulevard runs through the district. It is named for Octave Crémazie, a Quebec writer, poet and bookseller who is considered to be among the most important French Canadian literary talents. He lived from 1827 until 1879.
Some of his most famous work include Le drapeau de Carillon, Le vieux soldat canadien, Le chant des voyageurs and Le Journal du siège de Paris.
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