Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 18, 2001
• Invested on: February 22, 2002

Through her daring and varied work, she has had a profound influence on Quebec literature. This poet, novelist and essayist is especially known for her contribution to the emergence of the female voice in Quebec literature, primarily as a writer but also as a teacher. A member of the Université de Montréal French studies department for more than 30 years, she was a pioneer in the early 1960s in offering a creative writing workshop. She also presented, for the very first time, courses focussing solely on writing by women. As a result of her great contribution, she has received a number of prestigious literary awards.