LETTER

Congratulations from the "left side" of the page

 

I congratulate M Jean-Paul Perreault for his Patriote de l’année 2016-2017 award. While some of M Perreault's opinions vary enormously from my own, it is impossible to ignore his unwavering commitment to our community and its vitality. Outaouais en fête adds tremendously to the cultural richness and dynamism of Aylmer and the wider region.

As an activist, he takes the controversial positions that make some (myself included) feel ill at ease. But whatever the rights in question, including language, a movement needs voices at the sharp end of the discourse that encourage the wider public to question its assumptions.

I look forward to his next submission to the Bulletin that will likely leave me shaking my head. But I also thank him for helping ensure that the French language continues to be respected and treasured.

Stephan Paape
Aylmer