Canadian author, Frederic Bastien has been reported dead. According to Le Journal de Montreal, where he usually wrote a column, Bastein’s death was confirmed by his wife, Marie-Ève Lépine.
She reportedly shared that he was found unresponsive at home after working out on their stationary bike. He was 53 years old.
Born in 1969, Bastien was a former leadership candidate for the Part Quebecois (PQ). He finished fourth in the 2020 PQ leadership race against Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Sylvian Gaudreault, and Guy Nantel.
He was also a history profession at Dawn College in Montreal. He attended the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, where he was awarded a doctorate degree in history and international politics.
Bastien was known for writing several books including La Bataille de Londres (The Battle of London), which won the Richard-Ares Prize in 2013. The same year, he received the Patriote de l’annee (Patriot of the year) award from the Societe Saint-Jean Baptiste and also received the Condorcet-Dessaulles award from the Mouvement laique quebecois in 2021.
His fellow politicians expressed their condolences after his death made the news.
PQ leader, St-Pierre Plamondon wrote on Twitter: “Frederic was a lifelong activist who gave much of his life to the cause of Quebec. He is survived by his wife and three children. My thoughts are with them and the Parti Quebecois offers them all our support.”
“We had many conversations during the PQ leadership race. Discussions that were often tough but always enriching. A man with a sharp mind, totally dedicated to Quebec,” Guy Nantel also wrote.
“I think of his loved ones. Want or not, I think of us all. I think of Don Quixote who was going to knock down the mills of hypocrisy for Quebec, his nation. Without fear,” Bloc Quebecois leader, Yves-Francois Blanchet also shared.
