February 9, 2004 OTTAWA– Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, will swear in approximately 20 new Canadian citizens and will present the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to 23 residents from the province of Quebec. This joint ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 11 at 2 p.m. at the Place des Arts' Cinquième salle in Montréal.The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in their community. Recipients have served over a number of years and normally have not been recognized previously by a national or provincial honour. The award consists of a framed certificate and a lapel pin for everyday wear. Additional information about this award can be found at http://www.gg.ca/honours/caring_e.asp.See the following Annex for the Caring Canadian Award recipients' citations.-30-Media information Rideau Hall Press Office France Langlois (613) 993-8157 www.gg.caCitizenship and Immigration Canada Robert Gervais (514) 496-0797Public information The Chancellery of Honours (613) 993-3524 or 1-800-465-6890AnnexCitations for the Caring Canadian Award Recipients Agnes Ackerman and Richard Joseph Ackerman, Pointe-Claire, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardAgnes and Richard Joseph Ackerman are always ready to lend a hand to those in need. For nearly 40 years, they have volunteered for the Montréal Diet Dispensary, a non-profit organization providing support to disadvantaged women. The Ackermans have spent countless hours providing nutritional instruction for pregnant women, organizing bazaars, repairing donated furniture and sewing blankets and baby clothes. They have also collected and distributed food to the needy on behalf of Crawford Park United Church. Mr. Ackerman has served as church steward, clerk and elder, while Mrs. Ackerman has organized fundraising for several local shelters, taught Sunday School and assisted youth and women's groups for the Church.Isabelle Bayard-Pallascio, Montreal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardIsabelle Bayard-Pallascio has put her heart and soul into promoting parents' rights in education and has played an important role in the lives of numerous children. For over 30 years, she has worked as a volunteer at least three days a week in the offices of the Association des parents catholiques du Québec, having served as president, writer and coordinator of volunteers and fundraising. She has also distinguished herself through her involvement in the Scouts and Guides movement, in which she has worked for over 60 years. As one of the founding members of the Amicale des Scouts et Guides de Montréal, she has also organized numerous camps for youth and persons with disabilities.Monty Berger, Montreal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardIn his more than 50 years of community service, Monty Berger has played a leadership role in a wide variety of fields, such as president of the Canadian Club of Montreal. During his presidency of what is now known as the Federation Combined Jewish Appeal, a division was formed to encourage young people to participate in community affairs. He also served as the co-founder and first president of Congregation Beth-El and on the Board of Directors of the Royal Victoria Hospital. In the late 1980s, he joined AMI-Québec (Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and, drawing on his wide organizational experience, he helped it to become a strong and viable support service for family caregivers. Mr. Berger is still active as a volunteer in a number of organizations.Clermont Bonnenfant, Longueuil, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardFollowing a serious accident 15 years ago, Clermont Bonnenfant resolved to help others and decided to collect and sell pop can tabs to provide wheelchairs for people with disabilities. Despite his physical limitations, he rides his tricycle or takes the bus six days a week to 75 recycling depots to pick up tabs. To date, he has donated 50 wheelchairs, seven walkers, eight canes and an electric tricycle. He also salvages bread bag fasteners and organizes community meals from the proceeds. Mr. Bonnenfant's efforts to assist people with disabilities and the less fortunate are nothing short of extraordinary.Lise Boucher-Arihan, Greenfield Park, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardFor the past 21 years, Lise Boucher-Arihan has acted as volunteer coordinator for a charitable group called H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Effectively). Mrs. Boucher-Arihan provides ongoing support to disadvantaged families, advocating on their behalf at public service agencies and sometimes accompanying them in court. She also spends many hours a week delivering food and financial aid to these families. In her spare time, Mrs. Boucher-Arihan takes care of her elderly neighbours, helping them with banking and shopping and providing transportation to doctors' appointments, thus enabling them to maintain their independence and remain in their homes.Michel Carpentier, Sherbrooke, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardMichel Carpentier lives up to his motto to protect and serve both in his personal life as a volunteer and in his professional life as Sherbrooke's police chief. For over 15 years, he has been active in the Jean Lapointe Foundation, whose mission is to help alcoholics and drug addicts, and since 1997 he has served on the steering committee of an annual benefit concert, the Chap-O-Show. His contribution has helped the Foundation raise over $150,000 through the concert. For five years, he was an active member of the organizing committee of a fund-raising golf tournament for the Canadian Organ Donors Association. Mr. Carpentier also participates in numerous fundraising ventures for a variety of charities.Joan Elizabeth Foster, Montréal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardFor the past 20 years, Joan Foster has participated in the Guiding movement, acting as Brown Owl, deputy and district commissioner, Sparks leader and district treasurer. She is an active member of the Montréal West United Church and, through the St. Colomban Community Outreach program, she has organized food drives and co-ordinated Christmas dinners and visits for the disadvantaged and isolated. She was also involved in strengthening the Meals on Wheels program in her area and has served 15 years as a coordinator and occasional cook. Mrs. Foster cares about the people in her community, and constantly seeks out those in particular need or distress.Chantal Germain, Laval, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardThrough her dedication and optimism, Chantal Germain has overcome the barriers of spinal muscular atrophy while making an extraordinary contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada. Since 1984, she has hosted numerous television programs and telethons for the Association. She has also devoted boundless energy to the Association's fundraising activities, collecting donations in shopping centres and participating in stuffed toy sales, golf tournaments and bowl-a-thons. Through her perseverance, she has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Association. An unflagging ambassador, Ms. Germain has made tremendous strides in raising awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities and ensuring them a better quality of life.M. Elaine Glenn, Pointe-Claire, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardSince 1966, Elaine Glenn has been a dedicated supporter of the Montréal Diet Dispensary, an organization providing assistance to economically disadvantaged women. She helped establish an auxiliary group for the Dispensary which made maternity clothing and organized fundraising events and she remained a loyal volunteer for 26 years. She was a volunteer driver for nutritionists on home visits and, for 16 years, she worked 20 hours a week as a bookkeeper and treasurer. In this capacity, she was often called upon from home to authorize financial transactions for small crises. For over 35 years, Mrs. Glenn's patience and commitment have provided immeasurable support to the Dispensary and to women subsisting on low incomes.Marcel La Rocque, Iberville, Quebec (posthumous) Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardMarcel La Rocque invested over 50 years in developing sports and leisure activities in his community. He started up numerous activities for young people and for many years assisted Carrefour Jeunesse and La Porte Ouverte. He worked for the Jeux du Québec as a volunteer for 25 years and participated in fundraising campaigns for the Red Cross. As a founding member of the Commission des loisirs d'Iberville, he presided for many years over the Festival de la citrouille. He also worked tirelessly to obtain grants to develop and promote courses in the arts for the general public. Mr. La Rocque's more than 15,000 hours of volunteer work bear witness to his great devotion to his fellow citizens.David Lisbona, Montréal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardDavid Lisbona has volunteered on behalf of Montréal's Jewish community for over 10 years. He has served as a committed supporter and, more recently, as chair of Le Mercaz Roundup, a food and clothing drive which comes to the aid of newly arrived immigrants and low-income families in the Jewish community. As chair, he is responsible for fundraising, planning and overseeing a committee for the one-day event. He has also been a member of many Jewish community groups. Whether soliciting sponsors or setting up tables for food drives, Mr. Lisbona has worked passionately to eliminate hunger in his community.Laurent Migué, Repentigny, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardIn 1983, Laurent Migué founded the Association de Repentigny pour l'Avancement de la Musique to foster greater interest in classical music, particularly among young people. As president, he organized the Association's fundraising activities, staging events such as benefit nights and weekly bingos. Mr. Migué is the heart of the Association, to which he has dedicated approximately 20 hours per week for nearly 20 years. The Association currently presents more than 450 artistic events per year involving over 10,000 participants. Through his tremendous dedication, Mr. Migué has helped local musicians develop their skills and enriched the lives of music lovers.Marguerite Proulx Lewis, Pointe-Claire, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardMarguerite Proulx Lewis has supported Aid for Seniors since 1984, serving as a promoter and a liaison between seniors in need of assistance and the program's student helpers. She conducts recreational activities with the Royal Canadian Legion, delivers meals to shut-ins, assists Legion members with housing needs and participates in many fundraising events. She has been a member of the executive and a senior citizens activity convenor for her local recreational association. She also handcrafted 2500 teddy bears from scraps of old fur coats and donated them to charities. For over 50 years, Mrs. Proulx Lewis has devoted her time and energy to improving the quality of life of her community's elderly residents.Marie-Paule Quevillon, Mont-Laurier, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardMarie-Paule Quevillon visits residents of the St. Anne Nursing Home in Mont-Laurier every day, providing a helping hand and a sympathetic ear. She is the fundraising coordinator for the Arthritis Society, and spearheaded the fundraising campaign that allowed the Mont-Laurier Hospital to purchase a scanner. She also works with the Daughters of Isabella and various health organizations. Whether heading up numerous fundraising drives or comforting St. Anne residents, Mrs. Quevillon is always there to promote the well-being of seniors, patients and disadvantaged persons.Alexander Fletcher Spence, Pointe-Claire, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardAlexander Fletcher Spence has volunteered his expertise on behalf of youth and sport for over 40 years. He has coached track and field voluntarily at Lindsay Place High School, for the Pointe-Claire Windmills and the McGill Olympic Running Club. He has selflessly devoted his time to improving the skills of local athletes. Now in his seventies, with a double hip replacement, Mr. Spence seldom misses a track practice or competition. In fostering pride and excellence in countless young athletes, Mr. Spence has been a tireless contributor to the well-being of his community.Ginette E. Texier, Montréal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardIn 1994, Ginette Texier co-founded the Sjögren's Syndrome Association. Despite her own frail health, as she herself lives with Sjögren's Syndrome, she co-ordinates activities for the Association several days each week, organizing support sessions, operating a phone-in service and publishing a monthly newsletter. She also promotes medical conferences and solicits financial grants. The heart and soul of the organization, Mrs. Texier gives her all to the service of Sjögren's Syndrome patients.Reverend Father Thomas Paotien Tou, Montréal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardThomas Tou has launched several programs that have improved the quality of life of Canadians and Chinese Canadians in particular. A pastor of the Chinese Catholic Mission for over 30 years, he also founded a Well Baby Clinic, the Chinese Catholic Community Centre and School and an association that has built several seniors' residences. Father Tou created a scholarship to recognize the academic performance and voluntary contributions to society of Chinese students. For over 40 years, he has visited the sick, aided new immigrants with employment and assisted refugees. His compassion and selfless generosity have wrought countless improvements in Montréal's Chinese Canadian community.Peter Michael Treacy, Knowlton-Brome Lake, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardPeter Michael Treacy established the Eastern Townships Disabled Skiers Foundation. He worked year-round to secure funding for specialized equipment and travelled throughout the Eastern Townships to recruit volunteers, nurturing the project from its humble beginnings to a successful program with over 70 volunteers and 60 disabled skiers. He has made it possible for people with a variety of disabilities to experience the exhilaration of alpine skiing while increasing their physical dexterity, improving their self-confidence and making new friends. Through his love of skiing and compassion for people with disabilities, Mr. Treacy has created remarkable opportunities for his students, their families and the volunteers who assist him.Laurent Tremblay, Saint-Adolphe d'Howard, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardAs an active member of the Saint-Adolphe d'Howard Lions Club since 1981, Laurent Tremblay has served as regional president and founder of two Lions clubs. He also contributed to and volunteered as a carpenter on renovation work for a church and was a founding member of the Laurentian Hospital Centre Medical Foundation. Mr. Tremblay frequently drives neighbours to appointments, visits seniors' residences and helps find furniture and jobs for those in need. Mr. Tremblay is always there to comfort people experiencing difficult situations such as separation, illness or bereavement, and has discreetly been providing assistance and encouragement for many years.Denis Trudel, La Minerve, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardFor over 25 years, Denis Trudel has worked tirelessly to organize the International Postal Hockey Tournament, which has raised over one million dollars for a variety of charities including the Special Olympics, hospitals and minor hockey. Eighty teams from within Canada Post participate in the annual tournament, held during the Easter long weekend at various cities throughout the country. As president of the tournament, he has devoted countless hours to coordinating hundreds of volunteers, securing corporate sponsorship and overseeing the logistics involved in transporting teams and renting ice space. Mr. Trudel's long-term commitment to what has recently become an international event has benefited many charities and worthy causes.Barbara J. Whitley, Westmount, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardBarbara Whitley has served the Montréal General Hospital for many years as president of the auxiliary, as a board member and as an extremely effective fund-raiser and volunteer recruiter. In addition to establishing a foundation for the visually impaired, she has participated in a number of organizations, including the Junior League, the Cerebral Palsy Association of the Province of Quebec and the Women's Canadian Club. On behalf of her church, she has served as chair of the advisory board and as deputy warden. Miss Whitley has been an outstanding volunteer in the service of a variety of causes for over 60 years.Harry Francis Young, Saint-Laurent, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian AwardHarry Francis Young has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Saint-Laurent since 1983 as a driver and, for the past decade, as president of the organization. In assuming the presidency, Mr. Young prevented the cancellation of the program, which is run through the Montréal Volunteer Bureau. In foul or fair weather, twice a week he and his team produce and deliver 25 meals for senior citizens in the community. For the past 13 years, every Saturday and Sunday he has collected and delivered food to the Oasis Food Bank. He has also been a member of a musical group that entertained at seniors' residences. Mr. Young devotes himself wholeheartedly to assisting the elderly and disadvantaged in his community.
