Statements by Members ·
Marlene Jennings Service Award
“A new award named after former MP Marlene Jennings launches today in Montreal. It gives money and recognition to people who serve their communities. I want Canada to follow this example and honour local leaders.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Marlene Jennings Service Award will be launched later today in Montreal. The Hon. Marlene Jennings, the former member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, is an incredible role model for anyone who aspires to serve their country, their community or their peers. I should know. She was my mentor when I was first elected and remains my sis friend to this day. This award establishes a new recognition model that directly reflects Marlene Jennings’ leadership style: collaborative, community focused, rule-breaking when necessary and always centred on empowering others. By shining a light on these change-makers and providing unrestricted funding, the proponents are not just celebrating those who serve so generously; they are accelerating their work and signalling to others that this different way of leading matters. I do not have time to go into detail about all of the criteria for this award, which honours unsung Quebeckers, but I thought it would be a good idea for Canada to draw inspiration from this initiative to acknowledge everything that our fellow citizens do to make our communities so resilient.”
Mr. Speaker, the Marlene Jennings Service Award will be launched later today in Montreal. The Hon. Marlene Jennings, the former member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, is an incredible role model for anyone who aspires to serve their country, their community or their peers. I should know. She was my mentor when I was first elected and remains my sis friend to this day. This award establishes a new recognition model that directly reflects Marlene Jennings’ leadership style: collaborative, community focused, rule-breaking when necessary and always centred on empowering others. By shining a light on these change-makers and providing unrestricted funding, the proponents are not just celebrating those who serve so generously; they are accelerating their work and signalling to others that this different way of leading matters. I do not have time to go into detail about all of the criteria for this award, which honours unsung Quebeckers, but I thought it would be a good idea for Canada to draw inspiration from this initiative to acknowledge everything that our fellow citizens do to make our communities so resilient.