Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau received 'feed of eggs' during 1982 train stop in Chapleau presented by Ernest Lepine

Although Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau did not receive the friendliest of receptions in many communities across Canada as he travelled by Via Rail on vacation with his three sons in August 1982, such was not the case when his train arrived in Chapleau. 

Upon learning that the prime minister's train had been pelted with eggs in western Canada, Ernest Lepine visited the Valentine Poultry Farm, and arranged to get eggs to present to him. The farm was, and is still owned by Ross Broomhead.

Mr. Lepine told Jennifer Swanson in a 'Pioneer Days' article that he got four dozen eggs.

In making the presentation to Mr. Trudeau on the CPR station platform, he said: "Here are some Chapleau eggs for you. We're not throwing them at you. We're giving you  a feed of eggs."

 I was covering the event for CBC TV News and there was a huge crowd at the station to meet the prime minister and his three children Michel, Alexandre and Justin, who is now the prime minister of Canada. It was a very friendly occasion.

Ernest Lepine was born in Chapleau in 1920, and was involved in many community activities, although he lived at Devon for five years, and Sultan from 1930 to 1940.

He told Jennifer in an interview that it was tough living in Sultan during the Great Depression with not much time for play. 

For example: "We had to go out after school on Saturday to cut wood until we had ten four foot cords, haul it, cut it with a crosscut saw, split and pile it."

But he was able to build a pair of stilts with which he walked to school. "I began making them higher and higher until at last I had to get on the roof of my verandah to get on them".

His first job was at Wakami Lumber Co. but in 1941 he got a job on the CPR first as fireman, and later as engineer. He married his childhood friend Lorette in 1942, and they bought their house on Lorne Street next door to the arena.

An active member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Mr. Lepine held most offices in the Knights of Columbus. He was also legislative representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

He was elected to the municipal council in 1949 just as Chapleau's "boom years" were getting underway and served several terms. The first major project was the sewage system and plant completed in late 1950.

When the Chapleau Memorial Arena was opened on Lorne Street in 1951. he became a member of the arena board.

By 1961 he was a director of the credit union.

Mr. Lepine was honoured in 1972 when he received an award from the Queen and the Government of Canada for outstanding community service.

In his interview with Jennifer Mr. Lepine noted how good Chapleau had been to him and his family, but he was certainly very good for Chapleau too, one of its highly respected citizens who served in many aspects of community life...

Note. Someone kindly sent me the photos in which I am included some years ago now, but I do not recall  who it was. Thanks though,Aging memory!!! My email is mj.morris@live.ca

From left to right: Dr. Lougheed, A.J. Grout, Cecil Smith, Foreman for Construction Company, Walter Steed, Reg Trush, B.WZufelt (Reeve), Ernest Lepine, Max Brunette, J.M. Shoup, Richard Brownlee, Dr. G.E. Young, George. Fife, Ovide Payette, Charles Collins. The two girls in the back are Carol Ann (Babe) Chambers, Joan Kemp Photo taken at sod turning for Chapleau Sewage System