Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you Bernard Lamarre, distinguished engineer, businessman, and community leader.
After taking degrees in civil engineering at l'Ecole Polytechnique and the Imperial College of Science and Technology Mr. Lamarre embarked, in the mid-1950's, on a highly successful career as a professional engineer.
Beginning as soils mechanics engineer with the firm of Lalonde & Valois he rose through the ranks, holding key positions at all levels of the company. Not independent of his efforts, the company too grew during these past thirty years. The firm of which Bernard Lamarre has, for more than a decade, been president and chief executive officer is now known as the LAVALIN Group, one of the leading firms of consulting engineers in Canada and one with an international reputation.
Not satisfied to limit his efforts to the day-to-day business of professional engineering, Bernard Lamarre has written and lectured extensively, both on the technical aspects of civil engineering as well as on its role in economic development. The profession has recognized his accomplishments and has made him a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and the Engineering Institute of Canada. Believing that he should practice what he preaches about the engineer and economic development, he is on the Board of Directors of a major insurance company and is chairman of the board of the Canadian Development Investment Corporation.
He has not neglected his civic duty. He sits on the boards of directors of two schools and a major teaching hospital in this city. He is chairman of the board of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
He has made his mark in his profession and in the community at large as a man of action and a man of accomplishment. As scholars and teachers, we rightly honour his achievement.
Mr. Chancellor, it is therefore a privilege to present to you on behalf of the Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Bernard Lamarre, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
* Deceased
