Mr. Speaker, on August 8, 1664, when a seigneury was awarded to soldier Étienne Pézard de la Touche, the village of Champlain, New France, was born.
One of the most beautiful villages of French America sits proudly on the banks of the St. Lawrence. Located on the Chemin du Roy, the municipality of Champlain has preserved a number of historical buildings. Champlain's charm is rooted not only in its built heritage, but also in the descendants from pioneers who kept the French language and culture alive in America.
Samuel de Champlain stopped there before the founding of Quebec, and his faith in New France and its inhabitants is stored there for generations to come.
The municipality of Champlain is celebrating its 350th anniversary and, as such, is a part of Canada's history.