Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a deserving fellow citizen of Verchères, Gilles Gagné, from Boucherville, who recently received the Governor General's award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the underprivileged.
After retiring in 1989, Mr. Gagné dedicated his time and energy to volunteer work at Accueil Bonneau in Montreal. This man, who is an example to us all, is working untiringly at relieving the distress and hardship of those to whom this admirable institution caters. To top it all, he claims his life is enriched by this experience as a volunteer.
Let me tell you how he puts it in his own words. "I see a lot of misery, but I find great satisfaction too. I feel that my work with transients improves their lives a bit".
Mr. Gagné is, for each and every one of us, an example of courage, self-sacrifice and generosity. In a world that is more and more insensitive and individualistic, he is most deserving of this public recognition for his noble contribution to the cause of the underprivileged in our society.
Congratulations, Mr. Gagné.