Mr. Speaker, Irene Lambert is taking early retirement at 92, after years of dedicated service to the community. Visually impaired but always undaunted, Irene has advocated tirelessly for people with disabilities, including as a member of the provincial commission that led to Quebec’s legislation on the rights of people with disabilities. Her efforts also resulted in Bell Canada’s offering free directory assistance for those with a print disability.

Irene did not stop there, however. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was being a founding member of Montreal’s Low Vision Self-Help Association and a driving force behind the organization for over 30 years. On May 10, Irene Lambert will be stepping down from the board of directors of the Low Vision Self-Help Association with a well-deserved sense of a job well done.

I ask all members to join me in thanking Irene for her pioneering role as a community builder who has steadfastly promoted the values of volunteerism, activism and inclusiveness.