Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to Gilles Fournier, who was recently honoured with the 2009 Prix de la Justice award. The first resident of Laval to win the award, he is the president of DIRA-Laval, an organization dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of seniors who have been the victims of violence, abuse or neglect.
Since its founding in 2002, DIRA-Laval has handled over 1,250 cases of abuse, violence or neglect involving seniors. Mr. Fournier's involvement in ensuring the respect and protection of seniors' rights has earned DIRA-Laval recognition from outside its municipal borders, since many cities have turned to that organization for help.
On behalf of everyone in Laval, thank you, Mr. Fournier, for everything you do for the people in our community and for seniors everywhere.