Vermont Business Magazine Québec Premier Philippe Couillard on Wednesday gave the insignia of Officer of the Ordre national du Québec to Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin during a ceremony in Québec City.
“Peter Shumlin is a politician recognized for his sense of innovation, audacity, spirit of cooperation and vitality. He has always been Québec’s genuine ally and friend. He has laid the foundations for extensive cooperation between our governments but also between non-governmental organizations on both sides of the border. He has furthered questions of interest to both jurisdictions, such as tackling climate change. Mention should be made of the recognition of hydroelectricity as a clean energy, and the electrification of individual transportation through a cross-border corridor of electric vehicle charging stations. All of these initiatives have raised Québec’s profile abroad. His initiatives have always reflected a spirit of progress, inclusion and social justice for everyone, values that are dear to Quebecers,” the Premier noted during the ceremony.
Governor Shumlin with Québec Premier Philippe Couillard. Courtesy photo.
Shumlin was one of 37 so honored, and one of only four who are not Canadian.
Peter Shumlin launched his political career 30 years ago, at the age of 24, when he was elected to the Putney, Vermont town council. In 1990, he was asked to stand for the Vermont House of Representatives, where he served for three years. He then served Windham County for eight terms in the Vermont Senate. In 2009, Mr Shumlin stood as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Vermont and in 2010 he was elected the 81st Governor of the state. He occupied the position for three consecutive terms. He will officially relinquish his duties in 2017 as he did not seek a fourth term during the November 8 US elections.
The Ordre national du Québec
The Ordre national du Québec was established in 1984 and is the Québec government’s most prestigious honour. The members of the Ordre are distinguished figures who have contributed to the edification of a creative, innovative Québec society marked by solidarity. The Ordre has 950 members, including 884 Quebecers and 66 foreigners, with the rank of Grand Officer, Officer or Knight.
Québec, le 30 novembre 2016. – Le premier ministre, Philippe Couillard, lors de la remise de l'insigne d'officier de l'Ordre national du Québec au gouverneur du Vermont, Peter Shumlin.
Source: Québec City, November 30, 2016 – Québec Premier