Eugène Fiset

Who was Eugène Fiset?

Sir Marie-Joseph-Eugène Fiset, KCMG was a Canadian physician, military officer, Surgeon General, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, Member of Parliament, and the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.

Born in Rimouski, Quebec, the son of Jean-Baptiste Romuald Fiset and Aimee Plamondon, Fiset was educated at Rimouski College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree and M.D. from Laval University. He joined the 89th Regiment at the age of 16. His military career continued during his studies, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant while a student. In 1899 he succeeded his father as surgeon to the 89th Regiment but, a few months later, joined the Second Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment with the rank of major and saw service in the South African War.

With the end of his tour of duty in 1900, Fiset interned at the Nose and Throat Hospital in London and L'Hôpital Saint-Antoine in Paris.

After a year he returned to Rimouski before becoming an adjutant in the Army Medical Service. In 1903 he was promoted to the rank of colonel and became Director-General of the service.

Fiset was promoted to major-general and Surgeon General at the beginning of World War I. He was knighted for his service in the war while the French government named him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.