Acadian, Francophone Parliamentarians, Community Leaders Honoured at Awards Ceremony

NOTE: A list of l'Ordre de la Pléiade recipients follows this release:

Past and present members of the legislative assembly, as well as leaders from the Acadian and Francophone community, received l'Ordre de la Pléiade on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in an evening ceremony at Province House.

L'Ordre de la Pléiade is an international award that recognizes parliamentarians and community leaders for outstanding work in advancing francophone causes. Its medals are divided into degrees, or grades ranging from Chevalier or Knight to Grand Croix or High Cross.

L'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, akin to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, is the organization that issues the medals. The Nova Scotia section of l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie submitted the nominations which were vetted by the council of l'Ordre de la Pléiade. Recipients must either have excelled in their position as a provincial parliamentarian or have significantly contributed to the Acadian and Francophone community over a series of years.

Fifteen Nova Scotian recipients were recognized for their commitment to the Acadian and Francophone community in government, education, health, and community and sustainable development.

Democracy 250 supported the awards ceremony as part of its year-long celebration, particularly because the ceremony marks the first time Acadian and Francophone parliamentarians have been recognized on such a level in Nova Scotia.

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie is an international organization that connects 77 francophone parliaments, including Canada's, across four continents. Its mandate is to promote democracy, human rights and the international diffusion of French-language culture and diversity.

Recipients and awards are as follows:

GRAND OFFICIER

• Wayne Gaudet, Church Point, Digby Co.
• Alfie MacLeod, Gabarus Lake, Cape Breton Co.

GRADE DE COMMANDEUR

• Chris d'Entremont, Belleville, Yarmouth Co.
• Gerald Doucet, Halifax, (formerly Inverness Co.)
• Guy LeBlanc, Saulnierville, Digby Co.
• Neil LeBlanc, Yarmouth
• Leroy Legere, Pinkney's Point, Yarmouth Co.
• Michel Samson, Petit-de-Grat, Richmond Co.
• Allister Surette, Church Point, Digby Co.

GRADE D'OFFICIER

• Gaston LeBlanc, posthumous recognition, Arichat, Richmond Co.
• Chester Melanson, Church Point, Digby Co.
• Dr. Benoit Robichaud, Yarmouth

GRADE DE CHEVALIER

• Marilyn David, Petit-de-Grat, Richmond Co.
• Paul Gaudet, Saulnierville, Digby Co.
• Stan Surette, Pinkney's Point, Yarmouth Co.