{"id":14355,"date":"2025-01-13T16:52:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T21:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/?p=14355"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:52:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T21:52:30","slug":"pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor","title":{"rendered":"Pierre St-Jean: Bytown\u2019s First Francophone Doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/\">I Ottawa<\/a> explores the life and legacy of this remarkable individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a35057f15b5c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a35057f15b5c\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#The_Journey_of_Pierre_St-Jean\" >The Journey of Pierre St-Jean<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#Caring_for_Ottawas_Residents\" >Caring for Ottawa\u2019s Residents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#Community_Engagement\" >Community Engagement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#The_Doctor-Politician\" >The Doctor-Politician<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#The_Doctor-Mayor\" >The Doctor-Mayor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-pierre-st-jean-bytowns-first-francophone-doctor\/#Final_Years\" >Final Years<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Journey_of_Pierre_St-Jean\"><\/span>The Journey of Pierre St-Jean<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102056\/ad_4nxdn6j6e0hlat1ebewbnpgmyexe8pincrcvebg9cyrw0jshbtsah3mufkvnumzmiuu-selftyd4sj_e3xs0ujmafkpi1vrn3okkkllzt__6n5swaetbkz2ppec8tmqesoajosgsxiakeyyycub0apykxvw1qxw0a32f6.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pierre St-Jean was the son of one of Bytown\u2019s earliest Francophone settlers. He attended the only French-language school in Bytown, located on Sussex Street, and later enrolled in the city college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the mid-19th century, St-Jean chose to pursue a career in medicine. As Bytown\u2019s 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-T\u00e9l\u00e9phore-Cl\u00e9ophas Beaubien. Gaining invaluable experience, St-Jean later moved to St-Denis to establish his own practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1856, St-Jean married Rose Larue. Tragically, Rose died in childbirth the following year, deeply impacting St-Jean\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St-Jean\u2019s medical career flourished as he provided high-quality care to the city\u2019s residents. His dedication earned him a position at the Sisters of Mercy Hospital, founded by Sister \u00c9lisabeth Bruy\u00e8re. Over the years, he held various roles, treating Ottawa\u2019s residents until his own health declined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Caring_for_Ottawas_Residents\"><\/span>Caring for Ottawa\u2019s Residents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102056\/ad_4nxe7gwu_7mb63v18zu5ccevu12njjsiizpp4hzhcw4r-dtpdmzewj44k-hislpvtirlcit8lkc5ojadvsx3urlsyptrzkc3q_66qdhhkzh9dhq75jhkyv7kqg_j617iuoomqdkm2jwkeyyycub0apykxvw1qxw0a32f6.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one of only three Francophone doctors in Ottawa, St-Jean primarily served the city\u2019s French-speaking population. For 40 years, he practiced medicine, often working pro bono. His compassion for Ottawa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Community_Engagement\"><\/span>Community Engagement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102055\/ad_4nxc8u9qokhkvsv7ief1dmmfxhf4wz91hsfmuz9hqgitf82y1nyfxiyuygl2wcpapvdxtrnnws9hm0lx6x9dg_fyxqoeoi5xahlklx3gr_ipzbr-n4f3scsfej6a_0auz4rt49hspkeyyycub0apykxvw1qxw0a32f6.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s impoverished citizens, assisting them both as a physician and as a philanthropist. St-Jean actively contributed to various Ottawa organizations, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>St. Vincent de Paul Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>St. Joseph\u2019s Shelter, Ottawa\u2019s first French Catholic refuge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ottawa Humane Society<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St-Jean was a generous benefactor, regularly donating to religious communities and cultural organizations, including Ottawa\u2019s musical society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Doctor-Politician\"><\/span>The Doctor-Politician<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102053\/ad_4nxdxbhstptfyjrpd18z1ignppkwzlfnppd9a-_4ywnmvausr6vyhupwtnbbl4r7x6bdkb12kmxtunlyegsijfgiwl6srk5e3hztef6usjyue8g9xu4tunp9-do4fccoxs01f7o561qkeyyycub0apykxvw1qxw0a32f6.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1847, Ottawa\u2019s Francophone community elected St-Jean as one of their representatives in Parliament. Despite the Francophone population being smaller than the Anglophone majority, St-Jean\u2019s reputation as a physician, activist, and philanthropist helped secure his election alongside businessman Joseph Merrill Currier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Traditional liberal ideals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Conservative government\u2019s national construction program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved navigation on the Ottawa River<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minority rights for Catholics and Protestants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reciprocity agreements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Construction of the Pacific Railway<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St-Jean\u2019s 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\u20131870 Red River Rebellion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Doctor-Mayor\"><\/span>The Doctor-Mayor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1882, St-Jean became Ottawa\u2019s second Francophone mayor, holding the position for one year. During his tenure, he prioritized urban development in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Railway expansion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fair taxation of banks and corporations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A citywide sewage system to mitigate disease outbreaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A balanced municipal budget<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While his time as mayor was brief, internal council disputes hindered the full realization of his urban improvement projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Years\"><\/span>Final Years<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102053\/ad_4nxezmphifx_s5jgz_osoj5y2ztyqixby0nvsrqffx8bm2zxltp7fktxvtlxmpnbowhxibxzg0tkxpm13l5iz6yuqxsi_jej79edjtptg_n2vq-gs8sgtuyvdwueehknt-_xqnplzawkeyyycub0apykxvw1qxw0a32f6.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite his lifetime of service, St-Jean\u2019s 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\u2019s poor often left him without compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By 1896, dwindling clientele forced St-Jean to leave his medical practice. He spent his final year in a modest role with Ottawa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pierre St-Jean was a distinguished doctor, committed community leader, and tireless advocate for Ottawa\u2019s residents. His work was always guided by a sense of duty and compassion, prioritizing human life and welfare over personal gain. St-Jean\u2019s contributions as a physician, politician, and philanthropist remain an enduring testament to his profound impact on Ottawa\u2019s history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":526,"featured_media":12787,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4817],"tags":[7597,7595,7610,7601,7591,7613,7604,7600,7605,7599,7603,7608,7592,7602,7611,7594,7596,7607,7598,7606,7614,7612,7593],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"moimportance":[32,35],"class_list":["post-14355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthy","tag-doctor-of-bytown","tag-doctor-pierre-saint-jean","tag-doctor-mayor","tag-doctor-politician","tag-french-speaking-doctor-of-bytown-pierre-saint-jean","tag-french-speaking-doctor-pierre-saint-jean","tag-medicine-of-bytown-in-the-19th-century","tag-medicine-of-ottawa-19th-century","tag-medicine-of-ottawa-in-the-19th-century","tag-pierre-saint-jean-in-bytown","tag-pierre-saint-jean-in-ottawa","tag-public-activity","tag-public-activity-of-pierre-saint-jean","tag-the-first-french-speaking-doctor","tag-the-first-french-speaking-doctor-of-bytown","tag-the-first-french-speaking-doctor-of-ottawa","tag-the-first-french-speaking-doctor-of-the-capital-of-canada","tag-the-first-french-speaking-doctor-pierre-saint-jean","tag-the-last-years-of-saint-jeans-life","tag-the-path-of-pierre-saint-jean","tag-the-path-of-pierre-saint-jean-in-medicine","tag-treatment-of-ottawans","tag-treatment-of-ottawans-in-the-19th-century","motype-eternal","moformat-longread-short","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14355"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14371,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14355\/revisions\/14371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14355"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=14355"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=14355"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=14355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}