In Memory of Mr. Claude Bernard

Saint Paul University has received a legacy gift from the late Claude Bernard.

Claude Bernard

Believing that education is the best tool for reducing poverty and empowering people, Mr. Bernard wished to pass on the gift he received from the Oblates—namely, access to education. Claude Bernard’s donation will fund scholarships for first-generation students, Indigenous people, and international students from developing countries.

To recognize his generosity, Saint Paul University has named a lounge in his honour.

The room is furnished with a multitude of objects from around the world, collected by Mr. Bernard during his long career with Canada’s Department of External Affairs (now Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade). Each item comes with memories and stories about what makes it special.

Mr. Bernard was born in Lévis, in 1946 and grew up in Gatineau, where he developed his passion for walking, fishing, reading and travel. In 1962, thanks to a sponsorship from the Oblates, he began post-secondary studies. In 1966 he joined External Affairs, where he held a variety of positions over the course of his career, including fiscal and financial advisor, financial consultant, manager of the financial restructuring of the embassies, assistant secretary to the ambassador, and senior embassy vice-secretary.

He spent time in Strasbourg (France), Belgium, Viet Nam, Kinshasa (Congo), Japan, Germany, Egypt, Tunisia, Dakar (Senegal) and Iran.

He retired from the federal public service in 2001, after 35 years of service during which he acquired vast experience.

Mr. Bernard died on February 24, 2016, age 69 years 5 months.



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