Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Government of Quebec is calling on residents of the Outaouais region to recognize the
unsung heroes who have made a significant impact in their communities. Until December 5,
2024, the public is invited to nominate exceptional volunteers and organizations for the
Hommage bénévolat-Québec awards, a distinguished honour that celebrates outstanding
contributions to community service across the province.

Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Social Solidarity and Community Action, and Mathieu Lacombe,
Minister for the Outaouais region, launched the nomination period, urging the public to
recognize volunteers whose dedication has had a substantial effect. Joined by MPs Mathieu
Lévesque, Robert Bussière, and Suzanne Tremblay, they encouraged residents to nominate
deserving individuals and organizations.

Chantal Rouleau stressed the transformative power of volunteerism, calling it “living proof that
solidarity can transform our communities.” She invited residents to nominate those whose
generosity strengthens the social fabric, noting that volunteering is a profound commitment to
improving lives and fostering community vitality.

Mathieu Lacombe highlighted the resilience of the Outaouais region, praising volunteers for their
critical role in overcoming challenges, from natural disasters to social causes. While
acknowledging the difficulty in selecting candidates from such a dedicated pool, he stressed the
importance of recognizing these often-unseen contributions.

Regional leaders echoed this, with MP Mathieu Lévesque expressing gratitude for volunteers as
“builders and role models.” He sees the Hommage bénévolat-Québec awards as a way to
formally acknowledge those shaping their communities through quiet dedication. Robert
Bussière, MP for Gatineau, highlighted volunteers as crucial to the success of community
organizations and urged residents to nominate those whose efforts enhance local initiatives.
Hull MP Suzanne Tremblay called volunteerism the “heart of our community,” praising those
who improve lives, especially for the most vulnerable, through their selfless work.

The Hommage bénévolat-Québec awards are a major recognition of volunteerism in Quebec,
celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to community betterment. The awards
honour both experienced and young volunteers, as well as non-profits that support volunteer
efforts.

Outaouais residents are encouraged to submit nominations by December 5 to ensure these
deserving individuals and organizations are recognized. The 2024 ceremony will spotlight
volunteers whose vital contributions often go unnoticed. For more information or to submit a
nomination, visit the Hommage bénévolat-Québec website: Québec.ca/prixbénévolat.

Photo: Residents of Outaouais are encouraged to nominate, by December 5, outstanding
volunteers and organizations for the prestigious Hommage bénévolat-Québec awards, ​
recognizing significant contributions to community service. (TF) Photo courtesy of the Ministry of
Employment and Social Solidarity