Lambertois Merit Awards

Criteria

The Lambertois Merit Awards celebrate and publicly acknowledge individuals whose actions evoke a sense of pride that reflects on our community as a whole.

Several types of Lambertois Merit Awards pay tribute to the involvement and talent of a broad mix of outstanding individuals or organizations:

Awarded to an individual or organization that has either completed recently a project or received recently a tribute, distinction, or award, at the provincial, national, or international level, in one of the following categories: Professional Life, Humanitarian Commitment, Sports, Culture, and Community Involvement.

Awarded to a local individual or organization that has undertaken a specific project or action that has contributed to the improvement of quality of life in our community or served as an inspiration or model for fellow residents.

Awarded to an individual or organization for a body of work, an “exceptional” action, or professional involvement beyond the scope of career-related responsibilities. The acclaim garnered by the action should serve as an inspiration or model for residents while bringing a sense of pride to our city.

2025 Lambertois Awards

The 2025 awards were presented at a recognition evening on November 13, 2025.

Prix lambertois

Natalie Henri, a recently retired teacher, devoted much of her career to inclusive education at Champlain College in Saint-Lambert, where she coordinated the Adam’s P.A.C.E. program for several years. This initiative, launched 20 years ago at the Riverside School Board, allows young adults with disabilities to enjoy an enriching college-like experience. To date, more than 60 students have been able to develop their social skills thanks to this program, which welcomes them three days a week.


Ms. Henri has promoted social inclusion and independence for people with special needs by integrating them into college life and valuing each person's potential. Her innovative and humane approach has transformed the lives of many young people.

In April 2025, she received the Difference Maker Award from designer Simon Chang, recognizing her exceptional impact in the field of education. The City of Saint-Lambert is proud to present her with the Lambertois Award “De cœur et d'action” (From the Heart and in Action), in tribute to her inspiring work.

Photo coming soon.

Since being admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1977, Hugues Létourneau has embodied civic engagement in all its nobility. A committed and inspiring lawyer, he has devoted nearly five decades to social, educational, environmental, and community causes.

As a founder, city councilor, president, and member of committees and organizations, he acts with consistency and humility to improve the lives of others. In Saint-Lambert, he initiates innovative projects for children, people with disabilities, and newcomers, while defending the rights of the most vulnerable on a national level. His involvement in sustainable mobility, the circular economy, and social housing reflects an inclusive and forward-looking vision. Through his enlightened leadership and exemplary dedication, Mr. Létourneau inspires an entire community. With this award, we salute a man whose community involvement is a model of generosity and perseverance.

Photo coming soon.


A distinguished diplomat, Guy Saint-Jacques served Canada for over 30 years, notably as ambassador to China until 2016. He has also held strategic positions in London, Washington, and at headquarters, where he headed departments related to energy, the environment, and personnel management. Mandated to represent Canada in international climate negotiations, he is recognized for his expertise on Chinese issues and his mastery of Mandarin. He holds a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Montreal and a master's degree in land use planning from Laval University. He was appointed to the Ordre national du Québec (2023) and the Order of Canada (2024).

The Ville de Saint-Lambert is proud to present him with the Lambertois Award for his entire professional career, highlighting his remarkable achievements and commitment to public service.

Photo coming soon.

For 30 years, Christian Viau has embodied a passion for sports in Saint-Lambert. A resident since 1990 and former director of human resources for the city, he founded the 40+ softball league in 1995, which he runs with dedication. First as a player, then as captain, president, and secretary, he structured the league into a credible and inclusive organization. He created a morning division for older players, which became co-ed in 2024. In 2022, he supported the creation of a women's division, the Queens, which now has four teams.

Still a volunteer, he organizes workshops to share his passion. Thanks to his commitment, the league now has more than 100 participants. Christian Viau is a community builder whose involvement in sports extends far beyond the field. It is therefore with pride that we present him with a Lambertois Award in the Sports Life category.

Photo coming soon.

Bryan Wallis is a pillar of sports in Saint-Lambert. As president of the Saint-Lambert Soccer Association (ASSL), he plays a central role in developing and promoting local sports. Thanks to his leadership, the ASSL has been able to preserve access to the PVM1 and PVM3 synthetic fields, which are essential for hundreds of young people and families to play soccer. His commitment goes beyond management: he embodies an inclusive, sustainable, and accessible vision of sports. Present at the inauguration of the new PVM3 field, he continues to promote safe and modern facilities for all. The Ville de Saint-Lambert is proud to present Bryan Wallis with a Lambertois Award for his commitment to sports.

Photo coming soon.

In Saint-Lambert, Pierre Lepage embodies quiet generosity and selfless commitment. For several years, he has been buying or accepting donations of used bicycles, which he carefully refurbishes and then gives to newcomers to the community. This simple but deeply meaningful gesture facilitates their integration while promoting sustainable mobility. Never seeking recognition, Pierre works behind the scenes, guided by a sincere desire to help others.

His humble initiative is a testament to his exemplary community spirit and his desire to build a more inclusive city. By promoting reuse and responding to a concrete need, he transforms forgotten objects into true vectors of solidarity. The Ville de Saint-Lambert is proud to present him with the Lambertois Award for his community involvement, in tribute to his inspiring action and his lasting impact on our community.

Photo to come.

L’Entreclefs is a beautiful story of compassion and human connection. Founded by Louise Poulin and Sylvie Dion in 2016, this non-profit organization builds bridges between generations by bringing young people and seniors together around creative and meaningful projects. Their mission: to break down isolation, value life stories, and strengthen the social fabric of Saint-Lambert.

Their documentary series Saint-Lambert / Une histoire à raconter (Saint-Lambert / A Story to Tell) is a telling example: it gives seniors a voice, while sparking the curiosity and attentiveness of younger people.

L’Entreclefs also organizes workshops, environmental clean-ups, and intergenerational tours in parks. Each activity becomes an opportunity to meet, help each other, and enrich each other's lives. Thanks to their human and inclusive approach, L’Entreclefs transforms exchanges into genuine moments of sharing and solidarity.

The Ville de Saint-Lambert is honored to award them the Lambertois “Culture and Society” prize because they transform our social fabric, influence our collective values, and thus create a more humane world.

Grands Lambertois

The Grand Lambertois awards are presented to individuals who have accomplished more than exceptional achievements. A Grand Lambertois is the highest honour that can be bestowed by our municipality. Over the years, very few people been honoured with such an award.

Huguette Letendre | Grand Lambertois

Huguette Letendre receives a "Grand Lambertois" award in recognition of her exceptional community involvement throughout her life.

For as long as anyone can remember, Mrs. Letendre has been involved in the well-being of the Lambert community. A resident of Saint-Lambert since 1963, and a business owner from 1968 to 2003, Mrs. Letendre first became involved as a volunteer in the development and prosperity of downtown Saint-Lambert. She was president of the Saint-Lambert Business Association from 1991 to 1995, and again from 1997 to 2001. She remained involved, even after retirement, as a liaison officer and in organizing activities such as the Saint-Lambert Days.

Ms. Letendre has always volunteered extensively for various causes, particularly with the elderly. She even sat on the selection committee for the Lambertois Award for several years. In 2007, she founded the Entraide Saint-Lambert committee, within the St-Thomas d'Aquin parish, to respond to urgent requests for help from immigrants and citizens. Without counting the hours, she coordinates this organization with passion and a sense of duty. The needs are great, with some 50 families a year welcomed and supported by the organization.

With this Grand Lambertois award, the City wishes to recognize her immeasurable contribution and inspire more Lambertois to become actively involved in the community, whatever their age.

Huguette Letendre

As Ms. Letendre was unable to be present in 2023 to receive her award, a special tribute was paid to her at the 2024 event to congratulate her in person on this great honor.

This Grand Lambertois award is presented in honour of Isaac Yung Zung Zia, a former resident of Saint-Lambert and loyal library patron. The library renovations and major improvements to the library’s services in 2017 were made possible thanks to an exceptional bequest of more than 1 million dollars by Mr. Zia to the Friends of the Saint-Lambert Library Foundation, together with a financial contribution from the Ville de Saint-Lambert.

Mr. Zia’s belief in his neighbourhood library as a cultural hub for the community was truly exceptional.

A Grand Lambertois award was conferred on Dr. David Saint- Jacques to highlight his prestigious appointment to the astronaut corps of the Canadian Space Agency.

By giving this Lambertois Award, the City of Saint- Lambert seeks to underscore Saint-Jacques’ incredible perseverance and impressive track record. His latest achievement serves as a motivating example for many residents and is a source of pride for the community as a whole.

Dr. MacLean, a resident of Saint-Lambert, was presented with a Grand Lambertois Award for his outstanding achievements and, in particular, his role in the STS-115 mission, which have garnered international acclaim and are a source of great pride to his fellow citizens.

Dr. MacLean became the first Canadian to operate Canadarm2 and the second Canadian to walk in space.

Selection committee

The selection committee is responsible for evaluating the nominations submitted against a set of pre-defined criteria and for naming the award winners. The committee is made up of residents François Vary, Monette St-Jacques, Louise Rousseau and Jill Lacoursière, who are joined by Marie-Claude Legault-Émard, Executive Assistant, General Direction and Mayor's Office, as secretary.

Would you like to nominate someone?

If you know of an individual or organization that deserves a Lambertois Award, we invite you to nominate them. Simply complete the following nomination form.

The deadline for applications for Lambertois Merit Awards 2025 is September 19. Applications received after this date will be retained and considered for the next year's edition.
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