Antoine Bertrand Captures the Heart of Quebec During National Day Celebration in Montreal
On Tuesday evening, Antoine Bertrand delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with Quebecers across the province during the National Day festivities in Montreal. His speech was not only patriotic but also infused with inspiration, drawing from an impressive array of classic Quebecois songs and timeless melodies that collectively celebrated the culture and identity of Quebec.
A Call to Share Love Through Song
The speech began with Bertrand boldly stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, hold on, I’m about to sing you a song. People of this land, it’s your turn to speak of love.” Starting with a nod to the 1990 hit by Jean Leloup and Gilles Vigneault’s iconic “Gens du pays,” the actor immediately set the tone for a tribute that was both personal and collective.
A Medley of Music and Culture
Throughout his speech, Bertrand recited heartfelt verses and references from a multitude of Quebec musical legends, including Plume Latraverse, Kaïn, Édith Butler, Les Colocs, Vincent Vallières, Luc Plamondon, Mes Aïeux, Daniel Lavoie, Diane Dufresne, Gerry Boulet, Les Cowboys Fringants, Marjo, Daniel Boucher, Richard Desjardins, Michel Louvain, Robert Charlebois, Patrick Norman, as well as contemporary artists like Radio Radio and Marie-Chantal Toupin. These snippets weaved together a powerful tapestry—from childhood favorites like Alouette and P’tite grenouille—forming a genuine love letter to Quebec’s musical heritage and national identity.
A Moment of Unity and Pride
Clad in a blue shirt, standing tall and proud, Bertrand delivered his tribute with passion and conviction. Meanwhile, the crowd below, smiling and enthusiastically waving their blue and white flags, created a collective moment of unity and joy that many are certain will be remembered for years to come. Their applause and cheers echoed like a victorious night; the atmosphere was electric, charged with collective pride.
An Emotional Finale
Bertrand concluded his speech with a poetic reflection: “The time we take to say I love you is the only thing that remains at the end of our days. So, for a moment, let’s love each other. Let’s love each other day after day. Love each other — I love you — and soldiers will become troubadours.” As he finished, he paid homage to some of Canada’s most cherished songwriters, mentioning Gilles Vigneault (“Gens du pays”), Harmonium (“Pour un instant”), Yvon Deschamps (“Aimons-nous”), Lara Fabian (“Je t’aime”), and Raymond Lévesque (“Quand les hommes vivront d’amour”).
The Result of Tireless Dedication
Creating such a performance was undoubtedly a labor of love and meticulous effort. Digging deep into Quebec’s rich musical past and weaving it into a meaningful, emotionally charged speech required an artistic dedication comparable to that of a monk’s devotion. The result was a captivating presentation that made listeners smile and sometimes even shed tears, a testament to the deep emotional connection many feel toward their culture.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a National Celebration
Bertrand, who was present at the premiere of the film Menteuse at the Théâtre Maisonneuve on Wednesday evening (see our photos!), took a few moments to share with Hollywood PQ how this historic work was conceived, a piece destined to become an iconic Moment of the National Day.
“I had the idea about two months ago,” Bertrand explained, recounting how he was approached by the National Day organizers at the end of 2024 to speak during this significant celebration on June 24.
“Then it was just: read, read, read, read, read!” he added with a smile.
Collaborating with Quebec’s musical and cultural archives, Bertrand enlisted the help of Dominic Tardif, a well-respected journalist from La Presse known for his encyclopedic knowledge of local and international music. Bertrand had met Tardif last year when they collaborated on the podcast “Juste entre toi et moi.”
“He’s got a different playlist than mine. He’s talented, and he has a wonderful way with words. We approached this with our hearts,” Bertrand said. “I was happy—I received tons of love from the people there, and I tried to give as much back in return. In the end, everyone was carried by that energy. The goal was to shine a light on our culture and our songs.”
The inspiration behind this intricate mosaic of words and melodies came from contemplating the 50th anniversary of “Gens du pays,” one of the main themes of this year’s National Day celebrations in Montreal and Quebec City.
“I loved the journey it took me on,” Bertrand enthused, also known for his role in films like Mlle Bottine and his upcoming appearance in the Bye Bye television special. “It introduced me to many songs I didn’t know and made me revisit others. Gilles Vigneault recently said in an interview with La Presse that he appreciated when people sang his songs and altered the words to make them their own. I feel that with what we put together, we took their lyrics and made them say even more—transformed them. And everyone seemed to appreciate that.”
What Was the True Message?
Bertrand invites everyone to dive into the full text of his speech to understand the message he truly aimed to convey. “You can read it in detail,” he recommends. The full transcript is available on La Presse’s website, and the Montreal National Day celebration at Parc Maisonneuve can still be watched for free on ICI TOU.TV. According to journalist Richard Therrien from Le Soleil, the event drew an audience of 534,000 viewers on ICI TÉLÉ and 739,000 on TVA—testament to the widespread appeal of the performance.
Future Political Aspirations?
A lingering question remains: has Bertrand been approached by the Parti Québécois to run for office and further promote Quebec pride?
“Today, I didn’t answer my phone,” Bertrand joked with a smile. “I’ve only responded to the flood of messages of love I received!”
It appears the response from the public has been overwhelming. Bertrand, who was already proud of his speech when he stepped up to the microphone, sincerely thanks the emotionally charged crowd and all those who helped make his performance possible.
“Thank you all; it gave me wings. And the band behind me—it’s hard not to be intense when you have thirty musicians playing like demigods behind you!” he said with a grin.
Looking Ahead: Film and Future Projects
Fans can catch Antoine Bertrand in theaters starting July 9, in Émile Gaudreault’s new film Menteuse, alongside stars like Anne-Élisabeth Bossé, Catherine Chabot, and Rémy Girard. With his passionate tribute to Quebec’s musical legacy fresh in everyone’s minds, Bertrand is sure to continue inspiring pride and cultural appreciation in the years to come.
