Mr. Speaker, last Saturday in Saint-Constant, François Buttle heard a commotion in his neighbourhood. Rushing to the street, he saw that a car had rolled over and caught fire. He quickly realized that the driver was still inside. Police on the scene were forced back by an initial blast, but as one officer held the door open, François Buttle climbed into the vehicle, unbuckled the driver's seat belt and pulled him to safety.
In a spur-of-the-moment decision, François Buttle did not hesitate to help someone else. He likely saved a life by putting his own at risk. He later said that he was just a citizen doing his job.
No, François, you were not just a citizen doing your job. I have heard about your big heart, your perpetual smile and your hard work, but this incident has made me realize that you also possess the extraordinary courage that defines a hero. That is what you are, François: a hero.
The young driver's life was saved thanks to François Buttle and two brave police officers.
To them I say bravo and thank you.