A Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 38th Mayor of Montreal, known for his contributions to the city's development and infrastructure. He played a key role in shaping Montreal's urban landscape.
Sarto Fournier, a Canadian politician, is renowned for his instrumental role in shaping Montreal's landscape as its mayor from 1957 to 1960. During his tenure, he initiated the ambitious Expo 67 project, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.
Born on February 15, 1908, in East Broughton, Quebec, Fournier hailed from a family of Quebecois and Italian-Canadian origin. He pursued law at McGill University and the Université de Montréal, eventually being called to the bar in 1938.
Fournier's political career began when he was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Maisonneuve-Rosemont in 1935 at the tender age of 27. He was re-elected in 1940, 1945, and 1949, becoming a prominent figure in Canadian politics. In 1953, he was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Louis Saint-Laurent, becoming the youngest member at the time.
Fournier's interest in municipal politics began in 1950, leading him to run for mayor of Montreal five times between 1950 and 1962. After two unsuccessful attempts, he finally won the mayoral election in 1957, heading the Ralliement du Grand Montréal (Greater Montreal Movement) party. This victory was largely attributed to the support of Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis.
During his tenure as mayor, Fournier focused on representative functions, often taking a backseat to Jean Drapeau's Civic Action League, which held a majority on city council. Despite this, he oversaw several significant projects, including the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the construction of the Boulevard Métropolitain, and Montreal's bid for the 1967 World's Fair.
Fournier's mayoralty was cut short when he lost the 1960 re-election to Drapeau. He subsequently returned to the Senate, where he served until his passing on July 23, 1980. Fournier's vision for Expo 67, which brought international attention and investment to Montreal, remains one of his most enduring legacies.
Today, Sarto Fournier is remembered as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping Montreal's development and identity. His contributions to Canadian politics and his legacy as a mayor continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
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