Definition Adélard Fontaine (1899–1982) was a Canadian politician and businessman who served in both municipal and provincial politics in Quebec. He was notably a long-serving Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Quebec for the electoral district of Shefford.
Overview Born on June 10, 1899, in Waterloo, Quebec, Adélard Fontaine embarked on a public career that included multiple terms as mayor of his hometown and over a decade as a provincial legislator. Affiliated with the conservative and nationalist Union Nationale party, he represented his constituency through a period of significant political and social change in Quebec. Fontaine passed away on May 10, 1982.
Etymology/Origin The given name Adélard is of Germanic origin, derived from "Adalhard," meaning "noble strength" or "noble, brave." Fontaine is a common French surname meaning "fountain" or "spring." Adélard Fontaine was born and raised in Waterloo, Quebec, a municipality in the Estrie region (Eastern Townships) of Quebec, where he established his professional and political life.
Characteristics
- Municipal Politics: Adélard Fontaine served multiple terms as Mayor of Waterloo, Quebec. He held the office from 1933 to 1937 and again from 1943 to 1953, demonstrating sustained local support and leadership.
- Provincial Politics: He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec as the Union Nationale candidate for the riding of Shefford in the 1948 provincial election. He was successfully re-elected in 1952, 1956, and 1960. His tenure in the Assembly saw him serve during the latter part of the "Grande Noirceur" (Great Darkness) under Maurice Duplessis and into the early years of the Quiet Revolution. He was defeated in the 1962 provincial election by René Lévesque, then a Liberal Party candidate.
- Political Affiliation: Fontaine was a prominent member of the Union Nationale, a conservative, autonomist, and often nationalist political party that dominated Quebec politics for much of the mid-20th century.
- Business Activities: Concurrent with his political career, Fontaine was involved in various business ventures, typical of many local politicians of his era who maintained careers outside their legislative duties. Specific details about the nature of these businesses are not extensively documented in public records.
Related Topics
- Union Nationale
- Quebec provincial politics
- Waterloo, Quebec
- Shefford (electoral district)
- Maurice Duplessis
- René Lévesque