Awarded on: 1998-05-19
Laurent Bouchard, Montréal, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
In 1967 Laurent Bouchard founded l'Amicale des bègues canadiens, the first mutual assistance group for people who stutter in North America, and in 1985 he founded the Association des bègues du Canada. In a society where communication is vital, he provides support and encouragement through the Association's evening meetings, where those affected can share experiences and feel comfortable communicating and practising speaking techniques. In addition, he travels to other countries at his own expense looking for information and resource material to help people who stutter.