Prix Montfort presentation ceremony honours Canadian Francophones
MONTRÉAL, March 18, 2004 -- The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, attended the second annual Prix Montfort gala awards ceremony, yesterday evening. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie and celebrations marking the Journée internationale de la Francophonie. First held in 2003, the Prix Montfort highlight excellence in various areas of endeavour by members of Canada's Francophone communities."Through the Prix Montfort, the Government of Canada honours Francophone Canadians from across the country who have distinguished themselves through their vitality, their know-how, and their pursuit of excellence," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "The Department of Canadian Heritage is pleased to support those people who implement innovative projects that help promote French-Canadian culture."
The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister responsible for La Francophonie; His Excellency Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie; and some 800 dignitaries and members of the Francophone community were also present at the gala. The event took place at the Université de Montréal, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
The presentation of the Prix Montfort was followed by a performance entitled La Francophonie chante l'Acadie, highlighting the 400th anniversary of French presence in America. Written and directed by Zachary Richard, the Acadian-style show brought together many well-known performers, including Isabelle Boulay, Wilfred Le Bouthiller, Lyna Boudreault, Mélanie Renaud, Linda Thalie, and Florent Volant.
The winners of the Prix Montfort were selected by a jury headed by the Right Honourable Antonio Lamer, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The winners are as follows:
Business: Denis Losier, New Brunswick
Visual arts: Étienne Gaboury, Manitoba
Event of the year: Le Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Quebec
Tribute: Université de Montréal, Quebec
Literature: Dominique Demers, Ontario; and Herménégilde Chiasson, 29th Lieutenant- Governor of New Brunswick
Montfort of the year: La Société nationale de l'Acadie, for the Royal proclamation acknowledging the historical facts of the Great Upheaval of 1755
Closer ties: Coup de coeur francophone, Quebec
Science and health: Hubert Gauthier, Manitoba
Information:
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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