Pauline Marois, author Kim Thúy among 8 women presented with Order of Montreal insignia
Posted May 15, 2025 6:04 pm.
Last Updated May 16, 2025 4:33 pm.
Eight women who have contributed to Montreal’s development are are being recognized for their achievements.
A new award, the insignia of the Order of Montreal, was created specifically for women who have contributed to the “development, construction, influence and advancement of Montreal and all of Quebec society,” said Mayor Valérie Plante.
The award coincides with the upcoming inauguration of the Place des Montréalaises — a large public square near city hall.
The eight recipients, part of the “Cohorte de la Place des Montréalaises,” are:
- Janette Bertrand, journalist, radio and television host
- Yvette Bonny, former pediatrician-hematologist and former university professor
- France Charbonneau, former judge of the Superior Court of Quebec
- Lesley Chesterman, pastry chef, author, host, and food critic
- Léa Cousineau, first woman to chair the executive committee of the City of Montreal
- Elisapie, author, composer, performer, director, producer, and Inuk activist
- Pauline Marois, first woman to serve as Premier of Quebec
- Kim Thúy, author of “Ru”
“I am very proud because you know I love Montreal and why I am very proud because I think I send a message for the young girls,” said Pauline Marois, the first woman to serve as Premier of Quebec.
“It’s important for you to go in politics or to serve your objective, your goals,” she added. “The society needs you, needs your intelligence, your talent, your creativity. I hope am a little model for these girls.”
The women are being given the title of commander — the highest rank of the order — and Plante called them “women builders” of the city.
“After eight years as the first female mayor of Quebec’s metropolis, I wanted to honour and celebrate eight remarkable women who contributed to the city’s history, heritage, and identity,” said Plante on Friday.
The Order of Montreal is the highest honour awarded by the city.
“I love my city, I love our restaurant scene, I actually love what I do,” said Lesley Chesterman, pastry chef, author, host, and food critic.
“Being with these incredible women today side by side is overwhelming to me because there’s so much positive energy in that room today,” she added. “They’re legends.”
