Prix Hommage Aînés 2016 - Minister Geoffrey Kelley pays tribute to the exceptional contributions of Martha Koneak Greig, winner of the Prix Hommage Aînés for Nunavik

KUUJJUAQ, QC, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Speaking at the Prix Hommage Aînés 2016 awards ceremony held at the National Assembly of Québec, Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs, paid tribute to the outstanding community outreach of the winner of the Prix Hommage Aînés 2016, Martha Koneak Greig, who was presented the award by Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying.

"As a municipal councillor in Kuujjuaq, an active member of the local Anglican church, a funeral director and a midwife, Ms. Koneak Greig serves her community in many capacities. She shows incredible empathy for the elderly when they are going through difficult times, whether as a result of a death, an accident or an illness. She is always there to bring them hope and comfort. Aware of the vast experience and knowledge possessed by seniors, affectionately referred to as "elders" in Inuit culture, she is an ardent defender of their rights and especially of their critical role in improving their community. I wish to applaud Ms. Koneak Greig for her exceptional contributions to the village of Kuujjuaq," stated Minister Kelley.

"Martha K. Greig has shown unparalleled dedication and generosity in helping her community's seniors to thrive and to grow. She has given selflessly of her time and energy to help those around her, and I would like to congratulate her on her remarkable commitment to making her community a better place. The honour bestowed upon her today is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of helping others," said Ungava MNA Jean Boucher.

Prix Hommage Aînés awards recognize the contributions of volunteers who work to enhance the wellness of seniors in their community and help them remain active members of society. Winners are selected by the Tables de concertation des aînés, working groups which focus on seniors' issues in every region of the province.

"The 18 winners being honoured today are all driven by the same passion: to build a society that is more sensitive to the needs of our older citizens," stated Minister Charbonneau. "By giving generously of their time, these men and women from every region of the province have made a significant impact on the lives of countless people in their neighbourhoods and communities. I would like to congratulate them on their invaluable work and thank them for their efforts, which are an incredible inspiration to us all."

The 18 people honoured this year are:

Winner	Region
Jean-Guy Dionne	Bas-Saint-Laurent
Ginette Houde	Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Denise Langlois	Capitale-Nationale
Lise Bournival	Mauricie
Gemma Gagnon	Estrie
André Davignon	Montréal
Claude Ménard	Outaouais
Laurentienne Blais	Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Lucille Maltais	Côte-Nord
Fernande Fiset	Nord-du-Québec
Micheline Pelletier (posthumously)	Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Pierre Couture	Chaudière-Appalaches
Diane Hachey	Laval
Jeannine Trudel	Lanaudière
Agathe Cyr	Laurentides
André McLaughlin	Montérégie
André Nadeau	Centre-du-Québec
Martha K. Greig	Nunavik

To learn more about the winners and their achievements, visit www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca.

SOURCE Cabinet de la ministre responsable des Aînés et de la Lutte contre l'intimidation

Image with caption: "De gauche à droite : le député d’Ungava, M. Jean Boucher, le conjoint de la lauréate, M. Neil Greig, la lauréate, Mme Martha K. Greig, la ministre responsable des Aînés et de la Lutte contre l’intimidation, Mme Francine Charbonneau, le ministre des Forêts de la Faune et des Parcs et ministre responsable de la région du Nord-du-Québec, M. Luc Blanchette. (CNW Group/Cabinet de la ministre responsable des Aînés et de la Lutte contre l'intimidation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161110_C6815_PHOTO_EN_815530.jpg

For further information: Information: Communications Office, Ministère de la Famille, 418 643-7695; Sources: Marie-Pier Richard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying, 418 643-2181; Chantal Gauvin: Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418 643-3166