Mr. Speaker, last week, Réfam, a network of women entrepreneurs, managers and professionals in the Madawaska region, presented the prestigious 2025 women entrepreneur award to an inspiring mother-daughter duo: Nicole Deschênes and Josée Levesque, co-owners of Buffet Nicole et Josée.
They founded their company in 2004 in Saint‑Joseph‑de‑Madawaska, and it quickly grew into a well-known catering service in the region. Their adaptability and constant focus on innovation set them apart in a highly competitive sector. Today, more than 20 years after first starting out, they continue to run a thriving business that is based on trust, quality and teamwork.
This Women's History Month, let us celebrate all those who, like Nicole and Josée, contribute every day to the vitality of our communities, the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our country.