Posted at 4:33pm
(Parti Québécois MP Pascal Bérubé asks the Ministry of Culture to grant the writer Victor-Lévy Beaulieu a grant equivalent to that which he was supposed to receive for his Prix de la langue française, but which he had to turn down.) “I would like to celebrate him the same sum and his prize. I also ask that it be honored as it should be. He deserves it. This is the first time a Quebecer has received this award,” said Pascal Bérubé, contacted by La Presse on Wednesday. “It’s a nice wink that the Ministry of Culture has awarded him. »
Victor-Lévy Beaulieu was unable to accept his prestigious literary prize because the prize was due to be awarded in France and his health did not allow him to travel.
The Trois-Pistoles author thus lost the €10,000 grant associated with the prize, which rewards work that illustrates “the quality and beauty of language”. The jury that awards him is made up of members of the French Academy, the Goncourt Academy and other writers.
As a lowly Laurentian, Pascal Bérubé is particularly keen to acknowledge the work of Victor-Lévy Beaulieu, he says. “He is an emblematic figure of Bas-Saint-Laurent. Those who come from there can find themselves in their work, adds the MP for Matane-Matapédia. It’s a process of gratitude. He himself gave a lot to the community, he was very generous. »