Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to a remarkable Canadian who once worked right here in the House of Commons as a stenographer. As he listened to debates in the House, Alphonse Desjardins grew aware of the problem of access to credit and the devastating impact of usurious loans.
He undertook a vast study on the co-operative model. Over the course of his research and discussions with numerous European co-operatives, he adapted this model to the context of the day and opened the first credit union in Lévis. Over the past 125 years, Desjardins Group has evolved into the largest financial co-operative in North America, and we owe it a huge debt of gratitude.
I would like to thank Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins, who left us an essential institution. Desjardins is known across North America for financial solidarity, high capitalization and an unwavering commitment to its 7.8 million members and customers across the country. I also want to give a nod to Denis Dubois, the new president and CEO of Desjardins Group, and wish Desjardins another 125 years of building for the future.