The late L. Jacques Ménard was known for his outstanding commitment to philanthropy. By supporting various social and educational causes, he demonstrated a constant desire to create a better society. His contributions made a difference and have left a positive legacy for Quebec. The L. Jacques Ménard Awards are an annual competition organized by an independent committee to recognize young adults who have distinguished themselves through exceptional community, social, or philanthropic involvement.
Congratulations to the 2024 recipients
Congratulations to the 2024 recipients Ravy Por and Alex Gagné.
Congratulations to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, recipient of the 2024 "Jury Prize".
Recipients
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Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Selection committee
Grégoire Baillargeon
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Dominique Anglade
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Raymond Bachand
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Pierre Boivin
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Éric Boyko
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Gabriel Bran Lopez
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Sophie Brochu
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Mitch Garber
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Marie-José Ménard
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Stephen Bronfman
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France Desmarais Chrétien
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Michelle Thibodeau-DeGuire
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Monique Jérôme-Forget
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John Parisella
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Marcel Dutil
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Madeleine Careau
L. Jacques Ménard, C.C., G.O.Q., C.O.M., LLD. (1946-2020)
Throughout his career, L. Jacques Ménard (January 29, 1946 – February 4, 2020) consistently made a powerful impression on people. In addition to his role as a leader in Quebec’s financial sector, Mr. Ménard was influential in the Montreal and Quebec business community for decades. He served as President of the Bank of Montreal in Quebec for nearly 20 years, and his values of commitment, excellence and generosity were an inspiration to many.
Aside from business, his passion for Montreal and Quebec was clear to see in the way he devoted himself to society. From encouraging young people to stay in school to sport, public health and arts and culture, the causes he held dear and supported are as numerous as the hours he dedicated to them.
Mr. Ménard’s convictions ran deep. He strongly believed that anyone in a privileged position has a duty to make a difference. As someone who was driven to get things done, he spearheaded a number of social, community and philanthropic initiatives over the years.
Now his legacy of commitment, leadership and impact will live on through the L. Jacques Ménard Award. In discerning the winners, the Selection Committee will be inspired by something that Mr. Ménard, a writer in his spare time, often used to say,
“We have the right to dream and the duty to act.”
To set this legacy on a firm footing for the future and continue the spirit of leadership, mutual support and generosity embodied by Mr. Ménard, in 2024 and every year thereafter the L. Jacques Ménard Award will be presented to one man and one woman who have stood out for their leadership and impact.
To learn more about the regulations for the L. Jacques Ménard Awards and how to apply, please see the relevant sections of this website.
About the awards
Applications will be accepted from June 10 to July 31, 2024. The competition closes at 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2024.
To be eligible, applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or hold a Québec Selection certificate (CSQ) at the time they apply. They must also have their primary residence in Quebec. Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old on the date they apply. Anyone who has previously won an L. Jacques Ménard Award is not eligible to apply again, and the committee may reject applications that present a conflict of interests or misleading information. To be eligible, each applicant must give consent for the Organizing Committee to verify the information submitted.
This award recognizes social involvement and volunteer commitment to the community.
Eligible individuals can apply by returning the completed form and attachments (cover letter, supporting documentation, etc.) to prix.ljm@bmo.com before the application period closes. The deadline may be changed at the discretion of the Organizing Committee. Applicants have the option of applying in either of Canada’s two official languages, English or French.
Members of the Organizing Committee will form a Preselection Committee to review the applications and select up to 10 finalists. The evaluation criteria include leadership, accomplishments, impact, vision, innovation and level of involvement.
The finalists’ applications will be presented to the Selection Committee, and two winners (one woman and one man) will receive an L. Jacques Ménard Award. The date of the awards ceremony will be announced in due course.
To preserve the integrity of the competition and the selection process, Organizing Committee members do not have the right to vote and may only participate in the Selection Committee meetings as observers.
Each applicant agrees that the organizers may verify the information they submit. The Organizing Committee may request documents attesting to the authenticity of diplomas or achievements. Any false or misleading statements may result in disqualification.
The Selection Committee will assess each finalist through interviews and the documents they submitted. There can be no more than one male winner and one female winner. In the event of a tie, the Selection Committee chair will cast the deciding vote.
The two winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, the date of which will be announced in due course. Finalists will receive an L. Jacques Ménard Award recognition plaque and a mentoring session with a member of the Selection Committee.
Everyone involved, including committee members, must respect the confidentiality of information. The decisions of the Selection Committee members are final. Conflicts of interest must be declared. Applications will be destroyed after the competition.
Any decision that has garnered more than 50% of the votes from eligible members of the Preselection or Selection Committee is deemed to be adopted by that committee. Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal.