Armed Steed Trio

In a week marked by loss, the literary and journalistic worlds bid farewell to two remarkable figures. Victor-Lévy Beaulieu and Isabelle Vaillancourt, both trailblazers in their respective fields, left an indelible mark on their industries.

Victor-Lévy Beaulieu, a legend in Quebec literature, was compared to a symbol of life in a country struggling to read and define itself. His writing style, frenzied and filled with archaisms, neologisms, and varied registers, created a unique and instantly recognizable style. Beaulieu worked tirelessly, writing daily for long hours, year after year, on long sheets of notary paper with a pen. He found solace in caring for his animals, stating that it was a form of self-care and play.

Beaulieu was compared to one of the spirited horses in a local legend. According to the tale, a large black horse, wider than an ox, appears in Trois-Pistoles on foggy and cloudy days with a thunder of hooves and neighs that silence the birds. On the day of Beaulieu's funeral, it was raining, and the sky was full of mist, as if the horse had made a special appearance. Beaulieu himself compared himself to this hybrid mixture of derision and desolation when discussing his life dedicated to writing. He regretted living in a world often unable to grasp the magic of saying and dreaming.

Isabelle Vaillancourt, editor of a renowned magazine, also passed away this week. Her dedication to her work was evident, as she tirelessly guided her team to produce quality content. Vaillancourt's work was admired for its clarity and precision, reflecting her commitment to journalistic integrity.

Meanwhile, in the political sphere, Donald Trump's administration is starting to show signs of disappointment to his supporters after six months in power. The Pelchat-Rousseau report proposes strengthening secularism in public spaces, a move that could signal a shift in the administration's stance on religious freedom.

In the midst of these changes, the passing of Beaulieu and Vaillancourt serves as a reminder of the importance of individuality, creativity, and dedication in our society. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of writers and journalists.