Madam Speaker, I am deeply moved to pay tribute today to Arlette Girard, a woman who played a hugely influential role in the political life of Manicouagan.
Ms. Girard passed away in November following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
She was the first female mayor of Chute-aux-Outardes and Manicouagan's first female reeve. She was a forward-thinking feminist, a dynamo when it came to bettering the lives of women, children and seniors.
As a professional, a volunteer, an activist and a politician, she championed many causes and brought many projects to fruition in her community and all along the North Shore.
I would like to take this opportunity to say the following words to her:
“Arlette, you are among the truly inspiring, dedicated, strong, generous and brilliant women who have paved the way for other women in politics. I am deeply grateful to you. I want you to know that your legacy lives on and will continue to live on through me and through the women who follow in our footsteps.”