Premier Brian Gallant released a statement on the passing of Jean-Guy Rioux.
The former President of the World Acadian Congress died yesterday at the age of 76.
Sad to hear of the passing of Jean-Guy Rioux, a recipient of the Order of New Brunswick and Order of Canada. 1/2
— Brian Gallant (@BrianGallantNB) January 18, 2017
He was a leader in the Francophonie community and in education. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. 2/2
— Brian Gallant (@BrianGallantNB) January 18, 2017
Gallant says Rioux was a passionate champion of education and the Acadian culture within New Brunswick and across the country.
He played a key role in creating the Université de Moncton’s Shippagan campus where he was vice-president from 1979 to 1990, and he was also inducted into the Order of New Brunswick this past fall..
