Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to a resident of my riding, Fay Bland, who recently passed away.
Fay was a committed and compassionate activist for developmentally disabled. For more than 50 years, her efforts enabled scores of developmentally disabled children and young adults to lead fulfilling autonomous lives in their communities.
Her accomplishments are too numerous to mention. One of these projects, AVATIL—Apprentissage à la vie autonome/Towards Independent Living, provides apartments, group services, social development programs and assistance to clients so that they can live independently on the West Island.
In 2006, Fay Bland was honoured for her efforts with the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.
Our condolences go to her family and friends and I salute the legacy of this wonderful Canadian woman.