Outaouais CEGEP Teacher honoured for preventing classroom tragedy

Drazen Seslija

More than a year after the event at the Gabrielle-Roy campus of the Outaouais CEGEP, the institution publicly recognized the courage and quick thinking of mathematics teacher Christian Belzil-Lacasse, whose intervention prevented a tragedy on April 1, 2025.

In a press release issued on June 2, the Outaouais CEGEP noted that Belzil-Lacasse acted in an exceptional situation when a distressed student appeared at the only exit of a classroom and attempted to set himself on fire.

According to information released by the Quebec government during Police Recognition Day 2026, Belzil-Lacasse was teaching a math class to about 30 students when a young man doused himself with kerosene and tried to light a lighter. Christian Belzil-Lacasse immediately intervened, throwing himself on the student to prevent him from carrying out his action. He managed to wrest the lighter from him and restrain him until security guards, police officers, and paramedics arrived.

The Ministry of Public Security determined that his quick intervention not only protected the student in crisis, but also the approximately 30 people present in the classroom, who could have suffered serious consequences had the incident escalated. For his actions, Christian Belzil-Lacasse received a Citation of Honour from the Quebec government, following a recommendation from police authorities. The Director General of Cégep de l’Outaouais Steve Brabant, commended the teacher’s commitment and the mobilization of the entire college community. He also highlighted the role played by support staff, intervention teams, administrators, and police services in the hours and months following the incident.

The Cégep notes that this situation has profoundly affected its community and reaffirms its commitment to mental health prevention and support for individuals experiencing distress. The institution affirms its continued efforts to maintain a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment that fosters success for all.

Here are some resources in the Outaouais region for psychological distress and support available 24/7:

To quickly reach a psychosocial intervention professional to discuss your situation and be directed to the appropriate service:
Dial 811, option 2

To find support if you or a loved one is thinking about suicide:

Phone: 1-866-APPELLE or 1-866-277-3553
Text: 535353
Live chat: Helping, informing, and preventing suicide in Quebec
Suicide.ca

24/7 Helpline TEL-AIDE OUTAOUAIS
819-775-3223 or 1-800-567-9699
telaideoutaouais.org

For listening, help, and support in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau region:

Suicide Detour:
819-441-1010 ext. 2
(Some services are available 24/7, such as shelter,
telephone support, and online chat)
suicidedetour.org