Awarded on: 2002-11-14
Reverend Father Thomas Paotien Tou, Montréal, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Thomas 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.