Louis Plamondon has set a new record in Canadian parliamentary history as the longest-serving Member of Parliament in a continuous capacity. Colleagues in the House of Commons paid tribute to his remarkable service as he marked his 15,059th consecutive day as an MP on Wednesday, surpassing former Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier’s previous record earlier in the week. Although Laurier spent more overall time in the House, totaling 16,411 days, he briefly lost his seat in 1877, interrupting his unbroken service record.
During the accolades, Liberal MP Marc Miller humorously acknowledged Plamondon’s achievement, jokingly remarking on the significance of a sovereignist surpassing the record of a prominent figure like Wilfred Laurier. Plamondon, who founded the Bloc Québécois in 1990 after leaving the Progressive Conservative caucus, has held the same seat for 13 consecutive elections in the Bécancour-Nicolet-Saurel-Alnôbak riding along the St. Lawrence River.
Describing Plamondon as the “Céline Dion of Parliament,” Bloc Québécois Leader Yves François Blanchet playfully suggested that Plamondon should be disqualified from setting further records to allow space for others. Despite the tributes from colleagues highlighting his dedication and friendly nature, Plamondon humbly expressed gratitude, stating that serving his constituents has been an indescribable honor.
As the current dean of the House, Plamondon has no plans to retire and intends to contest the next election, pending good health. Acknowledging the personal sacrifices that come with his 41 years in Parliament under seven prime ministers, he reflected on the isolation that accompanies a long political career, particularly following his wife’s recent passing.
Plamondon emphasized the importance of connecting with constituents, attributing his political longevity to his commitment to engaging with people daily. He shared his rigorous schedule of attending numerous events, from pétanque tournaments to news conferences, to stay connected with the community. Additionally, he highlighted his past roles within the Bloc Québécois, including serving as the House leader and interim Speaker of the House in 2023.
Despite the noteworthy achievements and support from colleagues, Plamondon’s separatist background raised eyebrows during his tenure as Speaker of the House in 2023. However, his colleagues, including federalists, expressed admiration for his dedication to public service. Amidst the accolades and accolades, Blanchet humorously suggested that the only way for Canada to part with the enduring MP would be to grant Quebec independence.