GALA ESPOIR 2021

4 October 2021

The RGA annouces the winners of the Gala Espoir 2021

Ottawa, October 1, 2021 – The Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale (RGA) is proud to announce the “Espoir/Hope” award winners and the 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, who were celebrated during the Gala Espoir 2021, on Thursday, September 30, in a virtual/in-person hybrid ceremony in the Excentricité Pavilion at La Cité. The RGA gala involved 225 guests including dignitaries Orléans Member of Parliament Marie-France Lalonde, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson and Mathieu Fleury, City Councillor for Ward 12 – Rideau Vanier.

“The RGA’s annual gala is an opportunity to recognise the leaders and companies of the year, the importance of the Francophonie in the business community and the new strategic direction of the group,” said Bernadette Sarazin, Chair of the RGA Board of Directors.

The 2021 Hall of Fame inductee and personality of the year is Mr. Yves Tremblay. Mr. Tremblay is a long-time businessperson in Ottawa and a trailblazer in the technology sector. A generous community supporter and philanthropist, Mr. Tremblay was recognized for his leadership, generosity and community spirit.

New to the RGA Gala this year is the recognition of three community leaders that inspire hope (Espoir), resilience and strength in their unwavering support of our business community. RGA recognized the following individuals with the Espoir/Hope Award:

  • His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa;
  • Dr. Bernard Leduc, CEO, L’Hopital Montfort; and
  • Mr. Michael Crockatt, President & CEO, Ottawa Tourism

RGA also took the opportunity to highlight those companies and leaders who have been role models for the francophone business community in Ottawa and Gatineau. “It is always a privilege to have among us, leaders who make a difference and are deeply invested in the success of the business community. We are also fortunate to celebrate those organizations that are key business partners for Francophone economic success,” said Lise Sarazin, Director General of the RGA.

RGA would like to thank our trusted and generous partners: Telfer School of Management, Marcil Lavallée and RBC Royal Bank – the official presenters of Gala Espoir 2021.

This year, nine winners in various categories were recognized:

Personality of the Year

Yves Tremblay

President of the Orléans Health Hub campaign

Private Sector Executive

Catherine Callary, Vice President, Ottawa Tourism

Public Sector Executive

Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation

Micro-enterprises

Mélyssa Brunet, Owner, Brunet Bookkeeping solutions

SME

Alain Vachon, Micheline Boisvert-Vachon and Pierre Bourbeau, Partners, Discitus

Diversity and social inclusion

Catherine Leteinturier-Guissé, Business Centre Manager, Development Bank of Canada

Women in Business

Jacqueline Frenette, Vice President, VPL Verre et Aluminium

Sustainable Environment

Marilou Brouillet, Agency Leader, Ecolead

About the RGA

The Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA) promotes and supports the success of Francophone and Francophile business people in the National Capital Region. With its proactivity and commitment to the business community, by promoting cooperation and recognition and by promoting plurality, the RGA is a key business partner for francophone economic success.