Laval, October 25, 2021 - The Éco-Nature team is proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Quebec Lieutenant-Governor's Medal for Exceptional Merit is Mr. Jean Lauzon, co-founder and Director of Development of Éco-Nature, the organization responsible for managing the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. The official presentation took place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Centre d'exploration du Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

The Honourable J. Michel Doyon, Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, presented this medal to Mr. Lauzon in recognition of his involvement and dedication to the environment, culture and recreation.

Mr. Benoit Charette, MNA for Deux-Montagnes, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval region, Mr. Christopher Skeete, MNA for Sainte-Rose, David Maréchal, Chairman of the Board of Éco-Nature, and Christine Métayer, the organization's Executive Director, all spoke at this recognition event.

Jean Lauzon has devoted more than 35 years of his career to the protection and enhancement of the Laval region and surrounding area. He has created solid alliances and negotiated many agreements, which have enabled Éco-Nature to carry out numerous projects.

Thanks to his hard work and perseverance, a park and wildlife refuge have been created on the Rivière des Mille Îles. The rehabilitation and protection of this river have not only facilitated the reintegration of numerous plant and animal species, but have also enabled the inhabitants of the river communities to enjoy all the benefits of this natural environment. He is also the designer of several projects such as the ERRE ecomobility recreational and utilitarian transportation project, the first phase of which was launched this summer.

"Mr. Jean Lauzon is an example of commitment to his community. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership within the greater Laval community. His innovative spirit and dynamism have undoubtedly had a positive influence on his fellow citizens. He has demonstrated an extraordinary social commitment to a number of organizations, and has ensured their development thanks to his simple, fair vision of the future. His commitment to the protection and enhancement of the Mille Îles River is admirable," said the Honourable J. Michel Doyon.

"We are extremely happy for Mr. Lauzon, who deserves to be recognized for his many years of extraordinary work, especially on the eve of his well-deserved retirement. He never stopped looking for ways to protect the environment and convince citizens to support him in his cause," said Christine Métayer, Executive Director of Éco-Nature.

"I accept this award with humility and gratitude. I would like to share this medal for exceptional merit with all those who have contributed in one way or another to Éco-Nature's mission over the past 35 years. Without them, I wouldn't be the man I am today," revealed Jean Lauzon.

In fact, Mr. Lauzon is the recipient of several honorary awards, including a special mention in the Individual category at the Action patrimoine 2021 awards, the medal of the Quebec National Assembly in 2018, and the title of "Water Guardian" in 2017 by the Conseil des bassins versants des Mille-Îles, in recognition of his involvement in the community and his dedication to the cause of water. Although this is his last year before retirement, he continues to devote his heart and soul to the organization's mission.