Ingrid Betancourt visits Québec

Thursday, September 24, 2009

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Ingrid Betancourt is visiting Québec at the invitation of Premier Jean Charest. On September 23, she received the Medal of Honour in the National Assembly.

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Left to right: Premier Charest’s wife, Michèle Dionne, Ingrid Betancourt, Jean Charest and Ingrid Betancourt’s mother, Yolanda Pulecio-Betancourt. Photo: Roch Théroux

During a meeting with Betancourt in Québec City, Premier Charest expressed his personal admiration and that of the entire population of Québec for the courage and determination that she showed during her captivity in Colombia and her unfaltering commitment to defending human rights.

They discussed Betancourt’s recently created foundation devoted to promoting human rights and biodiversity awareness. In the Premier’s words, “Madame Betancourt is an example and a source of inspiration for all of us.”

After addressing the members of the National Assembly and guests in the Legislative Council chamber, Ingrid Betancourt spoke to a large audience during a luncheon conference held by the Société des relations internationales de Québec. The Institut du nouveau monde and Reporters Without Borders also organized high-profile activities during her visit. Betancourt was awarded the 2009 Reporters Without Borders–Radio Canada International Prize for Women of Courage, and is scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal.