More than 110 people gathered at the South Stormont Community Hall in Long Sault on Sunday afternoon to help former MP Guy Lauzon celebrate his 80th birthday. Included in that group were friends, family, and many current and past riding association members as well as the current federal and provincial parliament members. From left: Eric Duncan, MP for Stormont-Dundas and South Glengarry, Guy Lauzon, former local MP, Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas and South Glengarry. Tinkess Photo

CORNWALL – The riding of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry has lost perhaps its greatest supporter and a true friend with the announcement by current MP Eric Duncan Sunday evening, June 22, that Guy Lauzon had died.

Posting on Facebook, Duncan spoke of the man he considered a mentor and a friend.

“It is with great sadness to learn we have lost a wonderful man and community leader, Guy Lauzon, at the age of 81. I was blessed to spend some time with him in his final days where we recalled the many good memories and stories we shared over the past 20 years. For me, Guy was a boss, a mentor and most importantly, a friend.

“He lived a wonderful and full life right up until the end, and he will be missed by many. He was a man who truly made a difference and set the bar for those serving in public life. Thinking of his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

Throughout his career Lauzon often spoke of how he felt that his first responsibility was to his constituents, a philosophy he instilled in other grass-roots politicians who followed him. 

Stormont-Dundas- South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn also took to Facebook to express his thoughts. “I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of our long-time MP,  and my friend, Guy Lauzon.

“For over 15 years, Guy served our community with grace, humility, and a deep sense of duty. He was a true gentleman: respectful, kind, and always ready to listen. Whether at a church supper, local fair, or community event, Guy was always there to show his support.

 “My first step into politics was buying a membership to support Guy during his 2004 nomination.

He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy will live on in #SDSG and across our region for generations to come.”

South Stormont Mayor Brian McGillis spoke on behalf of his township. “On behalf of Council and staff of the Township of South Stormont, I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of former Member of Parliament Guy Lauzon.

“Guy proudly served as the MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry for nearly 15 years, dedicating himself to his constituents with unwavering commitment and integrity. A long-time resident of South Stormont, Guy was deeply rooted in our community and always passionate about its well-being.

“We are truly saddened by his passing. In his honour, flags across the Township of South Stormont will be lowered to half-mast to recognize his many years of devoted public service.

Martin Lang, SDG Warden posted his thoughts on the SDG.ca website. His comments were shared by some of the lower tier municipalities.

“On behalf of SDG Counties’ staff and Council, I extend our deepest condolences to the Lauzon family and to all those who worked with Guy through his lengthy career of public service.  Guy’s dedication to his constituency of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry was unwavering.  From securing 217 Service Canada call centre jobs for Cornwall in 2009, to championing revitalization on main streets in places like Martintown, Guy supported the construction of new playgrounds, outdoor rinks, bridge repairs and community halls throughout SDG Counties.

“His work is visible in every corner of our community.  Guy understood that infrastructure and grassroots beautification weren’t mutually exclusive and that they fostered both economic growth and civic pride.”

Lauzon, who served the Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry riding for 15 years, left a lasting mark on both Parliament Hill and his home community.

First elected in 2004, Lauzon defeated incumbent Liberal MP Bob Kilger and went on to win five consecutive elections. In four of those contests, he secured more than 50 per cent of the vote, demonstrating consistent and strong support from constituents throughout his tenure.

Lauzon’s time in Ottawa spanned both opposition and government roles. As a member of the Official Opposition, he served as critic for the Treasury Board and Official Languages. When Stephen Harper’s Conservatives formed a minority government in 2006, Lauzon was named deputy party whip and later appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Following the 2008 federal election, Lauzon assumed the role of Chair of the Conservative Caucus, a position he held until the defeat of the Harper government in 2015. He remained active in Parliament until announcing his retirement in 2019, bringing to a close a 15-year political career.

Lauzon’s life before politics saw him working in the federal public service and he spent time as a union local president with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). After leaving the civil service, he became general manager of Tri-County Protein in Winchester, a role that further anchored him in the region’s agricultural and business communities.

In 2017, while still in office, Lauzon became a published author with his self-published autobiography, From Lawbreaker to Lawmaker, in which he offered a personal and unvarnished account of his 15-year battle with alcoholism. In what was a demonstration of his continued commitment to public service, Lauzon donated proceeds from the book to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at Cornwall Community Hospital.

Lauzon’s 80th birthday was celebrated at the South Stormont Township Hall in early April 2024, and there were well over 100 family, friends, and supporters present. Lauzon didn’t speak much that day, but as always, he preferred to direct the spotlight at those who worked behind the scenes.

“You know, I look around and there are so many people, so much a part of the success that we had, and it wasn’t just me. There were always people, and I just wanted to say thank you.”

Lauzon’s career was defined by grassroots connections, a commitment to conservative values, and a willingness to share his personal struggles in support of community health and awareness.

Books of condolence have been set up in Eric Duncan’s three Constituency Offices this week for those who wish to offer the family of Guy Lauzon a message during this difficult time. The offices are located as follows:

  • Cornwall, 691 Brookdale Avenue, Unit C, Mon. – Fri.: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Winchester, 636 St. Lawrence Street (Township of at the North Dundas Office), Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Fri.: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Morrisburg, 34 Ottawa Street (Municipality of South Dundas), Mon. – Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Visitation was held at Wilson Funeral Home on Thurs., June 26 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Fri., June 27 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s West Catholic Church on Sat., Jun 28 at 10:30 a.m.