Honourable senators, it is with great emotion and pride that I rise today to recognize the incredible journey of a woman who has left her mark on the history of Acadia and the Francophonie. I am talking about our very own Édith Butler.

Originally from Paquetville, New Brunswick, Édith is much more than a successful singer. She is a storyteller, an ambassador and a caring woman who, for over 50 years, has been bringing our traditional songs, our stories and our accent to the farthest reaches of our country and around the world.

I have a funny story to share. At a festival in 1971, Édith spotted a man in the crowd wearing a suit. He stood out a little from the young people sitting on the grass. After the show, she discovered that it was the premier of New Brunswick, Richard Bennett Hatfield, who had come to hear her, but wanted to remain anonymous.

When she was asked if that was her boyfriend, she replied with a laugh, “No, that’s the premier of New Brunswick!” but no one believed her. This anecdote perfectly sums up Édith Butler. She’s an artist who, through her humour and humility, has always been able to bring people together, regardless of their status.

Of course, Édith has already received many honours, including Officer and Companion of the Order of Canada and member of the Order of New Brunswick. However, a very special distinction is being added to that list today, as she is awarded the title of Commander of the Ordre de la Pléiade.

This rank, one of the highest of this international order, is given to those who make an outstanding commitment to the Francophonie. Who could embody this spirit better than Édith? Since she first got her start, she has been singing about our language, culture and pride with authenticity and generosity.

As an Acadian senator, it is a great honour for me to see such an icon of our community receive this award. Édith Butler is the very epitome of what the Ordre de la Pléiade represents: serving the Francophonie, defending our values and sharing our cultural heritage, including our songs.

During an interview with Radio-Canada, she said that her career took off when she sang the traditional Acadian song “Un pommier doux” a cappella in Paris.

It was recorded in my hometown of Chéticamp.

On behalf of Acadians and all those who care about the French language and our traditional music, thank you Édith. Thank you for your commitment, for your love for our culture and for the joy that you bring everywhere that you go.

Édith will be in the senators’ lounge right after statements by senators. Come and shake her hand.

Congratulations to our very own Édith Butler and long live Acadia.