Mr. Speaker, as the shadow member of Parliament for the riding of Gatineau., I rise today to recognize the brilliant performance of Germain Boulianne, the first Quebecker ever to become a champion in the world Scrabble champion.
Mr. Boulianne, a resident of Gatineau and a translator right here in Parliament, won the highest honour last July at the world francophone Scrabble championships in Marrakesh, Morocco, in which more than 20 countries participated.
This sort of championship is not won without preparation. Germain Boulianne set himself a truly Olympic training regimen to prepare for this tournament, playing Scrabble for three to four hours every day. He had, in fact, won the Quebec championship six times before becoming world champion.
I would also like to mention that beautiful Quebec City will welcome nearly 1,000 players at the 36th world francophone Scrabble championships, from August 3 to 10, 2007.
Therefore, on behalf of all the Bloc Québécois members, I want to congratulate Mr. Boulianne, our own world champion from Quebec, and wish him continued success in this game, which showcases our magnificent French language.