Mr. Speaker, the International Day of Disabled Persons, which we are celebrating today, is a most appropriate time to mark the 50th anniversary of the Quebec Association for Community Living, which works relentlessly to help those with an intellectual disability live independently.
On Friday, five Quebec families were honoured as part of the Gala Défi 2001.
As the member for Laval Centre, I want to salute in particular two families from Laval who were among the five that were honoured on that evening.
I am referring to the family of Lise and Robert Pilon and to the Medeiros-Martin family for the extraordinary leadership that they displayed in the daily struggle for the right to be live happily.
Through them we want to thank the thousands of Quebec families who believe that love, support, encouragement and good humour are the ingredients of an unbeatable recipe to give everyone his or her chance.
I wish to say congratulations to them for believing in life. They deserve all our admiration.