15 February 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today celebrated National Flag of Canada Day by presenting a Peace Tower flag to Pierre Lavoie for his outstanding dedication to improving the health of his fellow citizens.
“The National Flag of Canada is a symbol of honour, pride, and Canadian identity,” said the Prime Minister. “By dedicating himself to educating Canadian youth on the benefits of physical activity and helping improve their quality of life, Mr. Lavoie is a perfect example of what it means to be Canadian.”
A world-class triathlete, Mr. Lavoie is the Founding Chairman of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, a health promotion program that uses physical and educational activities to motivate children between the ages of 6 and 12 to stay healthy by eating the right foods and exercising regularly. He is also President of the Association de l’acidose lactique, spokesman for the Corporation de recherches et d'actions sur les maladies héréditaires (CORAMH) and Founder of the Club cycliste acidose lactique for 10- to 17-year-olds.
Pierre Lavoie received a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2005 and became Knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2006. In 2011, he was named Member of the Order of Canada for his leadership and commitment to youth and for his support of research into hereditary diseases, and awarded the Medal of Honour of the National Assembly.
February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, and in hundreds of communities across Canada. To celebrate this special day in Canadian history, the Peace Tower flag is presented each year to one or more Canadians who exemplify the values our country holds dear.
