Overlooking the Rideau Canal and the Château Laurier, the bust of the Comte de Frontenac is surrounded by history.
The life-sized statue of the most renowned governor of New France is one of 14 figures in the Valiants Memorial. The bust sits adjacent to the National War Memorial. As war continues to pervade the lives of Canadians every day, the tribute instils in visitors feelings of gratitude and awe.
Comte de Frontenac was a French soldier and governor-general of New France in the 1600s. He is best known for his defence of Quebec from a British invasion, a successful guerrilla campaign which resulted in the elimination threat against New France settlements.
Asked to surrender, he memorably exclaimed: “I have no reply to make other than from the mouths of my cannon.” Frontenac died in 1698 after a brief illness.
His turbulent and fearless spirit is captured in the bust. His expression is interpreted as justifiably triumphant, as few men could have persevered through the difficulties and dangers of his critical position as governor.