Mr. Speaker, a page of history will soon be turned in Saint-Tite, in the riding of Champlain, when André Matte and his sister Odette will, for the last time, close the door of the family hardware store that has been part of that small community for 116 years.
The Mattes still have the basket and the snow-pusher that are associated with their business in Saint-Tite. One can still find many other items on the shelves of the family business that was started by Siméon Matte, in 1882.
André and Odette loved their work and did not count their hours. The S. Matte hardware store is closing not because of financial problems, but because there is no one to take over the business. André et Odette Matte, both in their 60s, will enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
On behalf of all the residents of the Mékinac region and the municipality of Saint-Tite, I thank them both. You will be sorely missed.