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 at Éco-Nature, the organization responsible for managing Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park. The official presentation took place on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park Exploration Center.

The Honorable J. Michel Doyon, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, presented this medal to Mr. Lauzon in recognition of his commitment and dedication to the environment, culture, and recreational tourism.

Mr. Benoit Charette, Member of the National Assembly 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, Member of the National Assembly for Sainte-Rose, David Maréchal, Chair of the Board of Directors of Éco-Nature, and Christine Métayer, Executive Director of the organization, all spoke at this recognition event.

Jean Lauzon has devoted more than 35 years of his career to protecting and promoting the Laval region and its surroundings. He has forged strong partnerships and negotiated several agreements, which have enabled Éco-Nature to carry out numerous projects.

Thanks to his hard work and perseverance, a park and wildlife refuge were established along the Mille Îles River. The restoration and protection of this river have not only facilitated the reintroduction of numerous plant and animal species, but have also allowed residents of riverside communities to enjoy all the benefits of this natural environment. He is also the creator of several projects, such as the recreational and utility transportation project, ERRE Ecomobility, the first phase of which was launched this summer.

“Mr. Jean Lauzon is a model of commitment to his community. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership within the broader Laval community. His innovative spirit and dynamism have undoubtedly had a positive influence on his fellow citizens. He has shown an extraordinary commitment to numerous organizations and has successfully fostered their growth through his simple and fair vision of the future. His dedication to protecting and enhancing the Mille Îles River is admirable,” said the Honorable J. Michel Doyon.

“We are extremely happy for Mr. Lauzon, who deserves to be recognized for his many years of extraordinary work, especially as he approaches his well-deserved retirement. He has never stopped looking for ways to protect the environment and to convince citizens to support his cause,” said Christine Métayer, executive director of Éco-Nature.

“I accept this honor with humility and gratitude. I would like to share this medal for exceptional merit with everyone who has contributed, in any way, to Éco-Nature’s mission over the past 35 years. Without them, I would not be the man I am today,” said Jean Lauzon.

In fact, Mr. Lauzon has received several honorary awards, including a special mention in the Individual category at the 2021 Action Patrimoine Awards, the Quebec National Assembly Medal in 2018, and the title of “Guardian of the Water” in 2017 from the Mille-Îles Watershed Council, in recognition of his community involvement and his dedication to the cause of water conservation. Although this is his final year before retirement, he continues to devote himself body and soul to the organization’s mission.