It is too early to tell whether Mark Messier will be entitled to a national funeral to pay tribute to him. However, on the day of the actor’s funeral, the Quebec flag will be flown at half-mast over the National Assembly building, as confirmed by our parliamentary office.
“In agreement with the family, the Prime Minister has requested that the Quebec flag on the central tower of Parliament House be lowered to half-mast during the funeral of Marc Messier,” the Prime Minister’s Office, Christine Frechette, said.
National funerals and national tributes are organized by the government in memory of individuals who have particularly distinguished themselves in the political, cultural or social life of Quebec.
In Quebec, government protocol groups analyze requests and recommend the appropriate form of tribute.
The government recently paid tribute to Serge Fiori, Carl Tremblay and Jean-Pierre Ferland.
In 2023, following the death of Michel Côté, a friend and colleague of Marc Messier, the government decided not to organize a national funeral.
Instead, the actor’s family chose a chapel at the National Monument. The Quebec government also lowered the flag and posthumously awarded Michel Côté the title of Knight of the National Order of Quebec.
Actor and singer Jean Lapointe was also not entitled to a state funeral.
Following the announcement of Mark Messier’s death, tributes increased across Quebec.
His contributions to Quebec popular culture are praised across all platforms, especially for his significant role in Throw and count, Les Boys, Brow etc. Little life.
Some recent individuals honored by Quebec*
National tributes
- Liz Payette, politician, October 20, 2018
- Carl Tremblay, Cowboys Fringants singer, November 28, 2023
- Serge Fiori, musician, July 15, 2025
- Guy Roche, sociologist, October 2, 2025
National funeral
- Rene Angelil, impresario, January 22, 2016
- Paul Gerin-Lajoie, politician, August 9, 2018
- Guy Lafleur, hockey player, May 3, 2022
- Jean-Pierre Ferland, singer and songwriter, 1 year.is June 2024
*The main difference between a state funeral and a national tribute is the religious nature of the ceremony and the presence of remains during a state funeral. When the government offers a ceremony, it is the family who decides whether they want a funeral or just a tribute ceremony.