Eugène Fiset

Major-General Sir Marie-Joseph-Eugène Fiset, (March 15, 1874 – June 8, 1951) was a Canadian physician, military officer, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, Member of Parliament, the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, and the 3rd Canadian Surgeon General.

Early life

Born in Rimouski, Quebec, the son of Jean-Baptiste Romuald Fiset and Aimee Plamondon, Fiset was educated at Rimouski College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree and M.D. from Laval University.

Military career

He joined the 89th Temiscouata and Rimouski Battalion of Infantry at the age of 16. His military career continued during his studies, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant while a student. In 1899, he succeeded his father as surgeon to the 89th Battalion but, a few months later, joined the Second (Special Service) Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment with the rank of major and saw service in the South African War. For his service in the war, he was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in the October 1902 South African Honours list.

With the end of his tour of duty in South Africa in 1900, Fiset interned at the Nose and Throat Hospital in London and L'Hôpital Saint-Antoine in Paris. He was knighted for his service in the war while the French government named him a Commandeur of the Legion of Honour.

Political career

He retired in 1923 and began a political career sitting in the House of Commons of Canada as the Liberal MP for Rimouski from 1924 until 1939. He served as Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence.

On December 30, 1939, Fiset became Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec. On two occasions during the war he opened the legislative assembly wearing his major general's uniform in order to express support for the war effort. He remained in office until October 1, 1950.