Mr. Speaker, the ninth Olivier awards gala, emceed by Martin Petit, was held last night. The gala, televised for French speaking audiences in Quebec and Canada, highlights Quebec's performing artists and all those working in comedy.
My Bloc colleagues and I wish to congratulate the nominees and the winners. We would like to recognize in particular the Grandes Gueules, Mario Tessier and José Gaudet, who won five Olivier awards, including the Olivier of the year and a special Olivier, a fitting reward for their 15 years of performing comedy. Laurent Paquin won two awards, one for show of the year and another for writer of the year. Many other artists won Oliviers but, unfortunately, we cannot mention them all.
The ability to laugh at oneself is a characteristic of Quebeckers. We would like to congratulate all winners and those who use their talents to make Quebeckers laugh.