Caring Canadian Award Presentation at the Citadelle of Québec

The Governor General presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 23 volunteers from various sectors of society, during a ceremony at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

"One of the wonderful things about the Caring Canadian Award is the nomination process that led to your being here today," said His Excellency. "As you know, recipients of this award are nominated from within their communities. This is truly a grassroots honour. Each of you was named as deserving by someone who knows your work and how much you have given. Can there be a greater honour than to be recognized by one’s community and by one’s country at the same time?"

Since she was young, Élizabeth Dallaire (Québec, Quebec) has been making changes in her community to improve the lives of others. At a time when military families had fewer services than they do today, she set up a daycare at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier and played an active role on various parent committees, thereby helping to ensure stronger, better-run schools. In 1990, she volunteered for UNICEF, managing and recognizing volunteers and raising public awareness of children’s rights. In 2002, she began actively volunteering once again with military families at the Valcartier Family Centre. She has been a member of its board for over 10 years and the centre’s first ambassador since 2008.

Louis Dion (Québec, Quebec) has been volunteering with the Centre d’action bénévole de Québec for 18 years. He serves as board chair and treasurer, and co-founded the Programme de reconnaissance des expériences de bénévolat, a program that, through his efforts, reaches right across the country. He also volunteers with other organizations working to improve the lives of all members of Quebec society.

As the president of Pégase sentiers équestres, Tourisme Mauricie, Diane Héroux (Saint-Narcisse, Quebec) has been volunteering her time to develop networks of recreational equestrian trails. In particular, she has spent over 15 years working to establish the Trans Canada Trail in Quebec.

Denis Perrier (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec) helps to improve the lives of his fellow citizens as ship’s captain with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary during marine patrols and search and rescue operations, and as a first responder with St. John Ambulance. In addition, he volunteers with the Order of St. Catherine of Mount Sinai, which supports homeless people, and with the Order of St. Lazarus in Canada, which provides palliative care.

Dany Vincent (Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec) has been a committed volunteer with the Association de baseball mineur de Saint-Basile-le-Grand for 11 years, serving as its president for 8 years. He has demonstrated initiative and leadership by organizing several championships and challenges that encourage young people to discover and enjoy playing baseball. Mr. Vincent inspires the people he meets, motivating them to get involved.

Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character.