Acadian and Francophone Community Members Honoured at Official Ceremony

NOTE: A list of the Ordre de la Pléiade recipients follows the release.

Members of the Acadian and francophone community were received into the Ordre de la Pléiade during a ceremony at Province House today, March 23.

The Ordre de la Pléiade is an international honour bestowed by the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie). It recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves serving the ideals of the Francophonie. The Nova Scotia Section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, which includes all MLAs and is overseen by the Speaker's Office, submitted nominations, which were vetted by the council of the Ordre de la Pléiade.

"I would like to congratulate each of our recipients today," said Graham Steele, Minister of Acadian Affairs. "Over the years, they have generously devoted their talents, energy, and enthusiasm to a number of important causes and have, each in their own way, contributed to the development of the Acadian and francophone community."

Ten Nova Scotian recipients were recognized for contributions to the Acadian and francophone community in education, literacy, visual arts, craft, heritage promotion, municipal and community development, and preservation of the French language and culture. The recipients were appointed to the Grade de Chevalier (Knight), one of the five classes of the order.

"It is important to recognize these individuals for their lasting contributions to the Acadian and francophone community," said Michel Samson, president of the Nova Scotia Section. "It is thanks to their pioneering efforts that we have the community organizations, French schools, and French-language services that we enjoy today."

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie brings together 73 parliaments and inter-parliamentary organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Its mandate is to protect and promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and allow the French language and cultural diversity to prosper around the world.

Following is a list of recipients of the Ordre de la Pléiade, Grade de Chevalier:

• Lucille Amirault, Kingston, Kings Co.
• May Bouchard, Pomquet, Antigonish Co.
• Pauline Chagnon, Halifax, Halifax Co.
• Gérard d'Entremont, Church Point, Digby Co.
• Cécile Gérin, Halifax, Halifax Co.
• Hayden Landry, Tusket, Yarmouth Co.
• Ronald Landry, posthumous recognition, Petit-de-Grat, Richmond Co.
• Laurent Lavoie, Sydney, Cape Breton Co.
• Gisèle LeBlanc, Grand Etang, Inverness Co.
• Jean Melanson, Salmon River, Digby Co.