Choice Hotels Canada has announced the winner of its second annual Mark Pearce Spirit of Hospitality Award, with the honour going to Élisabeth Jean-Pierre, a breakfast attendant of the Quality Inn in Sept-Îles, Quebec. This peer-nominated award was created in memory of Mark Pearce, Senior Vice President, International Division, who worked for Choice Hotels International, and previously Choice Hotels Canada, for 26 years until his passing in 2019. Deeply respected by his peers, Mark is remembered as a warm and caring individual who truly embodied the spirit of hospitality.

“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award,” said Jean-Pierre. “I love my job and have always worked hard to give our guests the best service and start to their day. So to be recognized for those efforts is so meaningful and I’d especially like to thank my manager, Mylène, for nominating me.”

As the breakfast attendant at Quality Inn in Sept-Îles, Élisabeth is often the first individual guests see each morning. Her cheerful and upbeat personality is one guests have come to love and look forward to, which is evident in many of the hotel’s guest reviews. She has been known to sing in the Innu language while serving guests, with one impressed guest stating, “it was a truly unique experience that made the hotel exceptionally charming.”


“Élisabeth approached the challenges of the pandemic, including stringent health measures, head on with professionalism, and a positive and upbeat attitude,” said Mylène Babin Duclos, general manager of Quality Inn in Sept-Îles.” She has this contagious joie de vivre and we are extremely fortunate to have her as a member of our team.”