Mr. Speaker, every year since 1985, the City of Trois-Rivières has awarded the Ordre de La Vérendrye to residents who have made outstanding contributions to elevating the city's reputation. Recipients must have made a significant contribution to enhancing the well-being of Trois-Rivières residents through exceptional volunteer work.
This year's honourees were Jean-Marc Bouchard, founder of Emphase, an organization that helps male victims of sexual assault; Guy Gagnon, a frequent participant in many social inclusion projects; Jo Ann Lanneville, for her international expertise in printmaking; and Marguerite Paquet, for her involvement with a large number of health and wellness organizations.
My heartfelt congratulations go out to each of these esteemed and remarkable individuals, who are now a part of Trois-Rivières's history.