André Bellavance

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André Bellevance (born June 3, 1964 in Victoriaville, Quebec) is a Canadian politician.

Bellevance is currently a member of the Bloc Québécois in the Canadian House of Commons, representing the riding of Richmond—Arthabaska since 2004. Before being elected, he was the parliamentary assistant to Pierre Paquette.

[edit] Flag flap

Bellevance gained national attention early in his term, when he initially refused to provide Canadian flags to a Royal Canadian Legion hall in Richmond. Bellevance, a Quebec sovereigntist, had said he felt uncomfortable promoting Canada by providing a flag through his own office, and instead provided a toll-free phone number for the Department of Canadian Heritage, which might provide such a flag.

Other Bloc MPs had given their constituents Canadian flags on request in the past. A short national scandal ensued at what critics perceived a slight against veterans and against the country. Many politicians quickly sent the Legion flags; Prime Minister Paul Martin sent a flag that had flown atop the Peace Tower, and Opposition leader Stephen Harper personally delivered a dozen flags.

Gilles Duceppe, leader of the Bloc Québécois, soon announced that the Bloc whip would send the legion several flags. [1]