FAMA’s Pierre Lefebvre honoured in the House of Commons

Our Facilities Management Coordinator Pierre Lefebvre received a great honour in the House of Commons in Ottawa on May 8. The Communications Office invited him to share the experience with his Dawson colleagues:

First of all, I’d like to thank Dawson College for this kind gesture of including my news in D News, which means a great deal to me.

Here’s the story of a lucky, but passionate man, grateful for such a tribute.  I’ve been involved in my community for many years, particularly with history, especially military history, specifically with the frigate HMCS Valleyfield (k329). I’m also a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy. I’ve been involved for over 40 years with sea cadets (for youth aged 12 to 18 years old) and naval league cadets (children aged 9 to 13 years old).

On May 8, I was invited to the House of Commons in Ottawa by the Honourable Claude DeBellefeuille, Member of Parliament for my riding of Salaberry-Suroît.  She was keen to highlight my military career, but also to specify my historical research on this frigate called the K329. Madame DeBellefeuille also made a point of mentioning my involvement in the community for over 40 years, and then, at the end of her speech, I received a standing ovation from Parliament…you have to have a strong heart!!!!

The meaning of the day was a feeling of something “bigger than myself” to go and receive such an honour. I was given a VIP tour and had the opportunity to shake hands with several elected officials.

What I’m most proud of is having lived my passion while being useful to my community and serving my country.

If I can pass on one message, I think it’s that no matter where we come from, we have to move forward with our passions and realize our dreams, while remaining humble. I feel fulfilled and lucky. Perseverance and a caring environment are invaluable in one’s life.

Here is the citation that was read by Madame DeBellefeuille in the House of Commons on May 8:

“Mr. Speaker, history buffs will remember that, on the night of May 7, 1944, in the middle of the Second World War, the frigate HMCS Valleyfield was torpedoed by a German ship, which caused the death of 125 members of ‘crew. In a scenario worthy of the greatest films, the frigate Valleyfield had on board an ultra-secret decoder which allowed the allies to send each other strategic and secure messages.

“This whole saga is explored, shared, and highlighted by an exceptional man from Salaberry—Suroît, Lieutenant Pierre Lefebvre. His passion for naval history pushed him in 2000 to erect an important monument in honour of the frigate Valleyfield, managing to bring together the survivors of the attack for the occasion. Mr. Lefebvre also founded the Sea Cadet Corps 329 of Valleyfield.”