In the 19th century, both English and French settlers came to what is now Ottawa, helping establish Bytown through their businesses, institutions, and professions. Among them was Pierre St-Jean, Bytown’s first Francophone doctor. Dedicated to medicine and the well-being of the community, St-Jean exemplified selflessness, placing the health of his fellow citizens above personal financial gain. I Ottawa explores the life and legacy of this remarkable individual.
The Journey of Pierre St-Jean
Pierre St-Jean was the son of one of Bytown’s earliest Francophone settlers. He attended the only French-language school in Bytown, located on Sussex Street, and later enrolled in the city college.
In the mid-19th century, St-Jean chose to pursue a career in medicine. As Bytown’s medical field was still underdeveloped, he moved to Montreal to study at McGill College. After earning his medical license, he returned to Bytown to begin his career. Initially, he worked with the well-known local doctor Jacques-Téléphore-Cléophas Beaubien. Gaining invaluable experience, St-Jean later moved to St-Denis to establish his own practice.
In 1856, St-Jean married Rose Larue. Tragically, Rose died in childbirth the following year, deeply impacting St-Jean’s medical journey. He returned to Ottawa in 1858 and resumed working with Beaubien as an assistant surgeon-obstetrician. During the latter half of the 19th century, St-Jean and Beaubien were two of only three Francophone doctors in Ottawa.
St-Jean’s medical career flourished as he provided high-quality care to the city’s residents. His dedication earned him a position at the Sisters of Mercy Hospital, founded by Sister Élisabeth Bruyère. Over the years, he held various roles, treating Ottawa’s residents until his own health declined.
Caring for Ottawa’s Residents
As one of only three Francophone doctors in Ottawa, St-Jean primarily served the city’s French-speaking population. For 40 years, he practiced medicine, often working pro bono. His compassion for Ottawa’s poor was unmatched, as he provided care to those unable to afford medical services. For St-Jean, the well-being of his fellow citizens always took precedence over financial gain.
Community Engagement
In 1853, St-Jean co-founded the Ottawa St-Jean-Baptiste Society. Initially a member, he later became its president, dedicating himself to charitable efforts. He never forgot Ottawa’s impoverished citizens, assisting them both as a physician and as a philanthropist. St-Jean actively contributed to various Ottawa organizations, including:
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- St. Joseph’s Shelter, Ottawa’s first French Catholic refuge
- The Ottawa Humane Society
St-Jean was a generous benefactor, regularly donating to religious communities and cultural organizations, including Ottawa’s musical society.
The Doctor-Politician
In 1847, Ottawa’s Francophone community elected St-Jean as one of their representatives in Parliament. Despite the Francophone population being smaller than the Anglophone majority, St-Jean’s reputation as a physician, activist, and philanthropist helped secure his election alongside businessman Joseph Merrill Currier.
St-Jean was the first Francophone member of Parliament representing an Ontario riding. Serving as a reformer for four years, he supported liberal policies and championed:
- Traditional liberal ideals
- The Conservative government’s national construction program
- Improved navigation on the Ottawa River
- Minority rights for Catholics and Protestants
- Reciprocity agreements
- Construction of the Pacific Railway
St-Jean’s political tenure was marked by his integrity, as he avoided making empty promises. In his single parliamentary address, he advocated amnesty for participants in the 1869–1870 Red River Rebellion.
The Doctor-Mayor
In 1882, St-Jean became Ottawa’s second Francophone mayor, holding the position for one year. During his tenure, he prioritized urban development in:
- Manufacturing
- Railway expansion
- Fair taxation of banks and corporations
- A citywide sewage system to mitigate disease outbreaks
- A balanced municipal budget
While his time as mayor was brief, internal council disputes hindered the full realization of his urban improvement projects.
Final Years
Despite his lifetime of service, St-Jean’s later years were marked by financial difficulties. His absence from his practice due to political and community commitments caused him to lose many regular patients. Moreover, his dedication to caring for Ottawa’s poor often left him without compensation.
By 1896, dwindling clientele forced St-Jean to leave his medical practice. He spent his final year in a modest role with Ottawa’s Department of Public Works before retiring due to illness. In 1899, his health deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization. Pierre St-Jean passed away in 1900 at an Ottawa hospital.
Pierre St-Jean was a distinguished doctor, committed community leader, and tireless advocate for Ottawa’s residents. His work was always guided by a sense of duty and compassion, prioritizing human life and welfare over personal gain. St-Jean’s contributions as a physician, politician, and philanthropist remain an enduring testament to his profound impact on Ottawa’s history.