Overview of the awards

The Ontario Francophonie Awards have recognized outstanding contributions that enrich the vitality of Francophone communities across the province since 2006.

In 2025, the awards were renamed the “Minister of Francophone Affairs Award” and now follow an annual format. Each year, the award honours one outstanding nomination selected from all categories of the Prix de reconnaissance de l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO).

2026 Minister of Francophone Affairs Award recipient

In October 2026, the Minister of Francophone Affairs Award was presented to Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal. He’s been president of the college since 2016, and a member of its staff for more than 25 years. The award recognizes his outstanding commitment to French-language postsecondary education, and the leadership he has demonstrated within Ontario’s Francophone community.

The award was presented during the Annual Congress of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario.

Eligibility

The Minister’s Award recipient is selected from among all eligible nominations submitted for the Prix de reconnaissance de l’AFO.

To be eligible, the recipient:

  • may be an individual, a group, or an organization
  • must reside in or be established in Ontario
  • must not be a current employee or a board member of:
    • the Ministry of Francophone Affairs (MFA)
    • the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO)

Please note: Self-nominations are not eligible.

Selection process

The selection committee members ensure representation from Ontario’s regions, as well as from seniors, women, culturally diverse communities, and youth.  

The Committee reviews nominations using predefined criteria and selects the top two or three nominees across all Prix de reconnaissance categories. 

The Minister’s Office then selects the recipient from among these finalists, using its own pre-established criteria (see the selection criteria section below).

Selection criteria

To be eligible, nominees must qualify for one of the AFO Prix de reconnaissance. This means they must be Ontario residents who identify as Francophone or Francophile, depending on the nomination category. 

In addition, nominees must clearly demonstrate that they meet at least two of the following four criteria, with supporting evidence:

  • official recognition for an innovative, daring, or pioneering contribution
  • influence that extends beyond their immediate environment
  • an inspiring example for the future of Ontario's Francophonie
  • a lasting impact on the Franco-Ontarian community

Contact us

If you have questions about the Minister of Francophone Affairs Award:

  • email: mfa@ontario.ca
  • include “Minister of Francophone Affairs Award” in the subject line.

Previous winners

2025

  • Prix de la ministre – Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi
    • Cofounder and Executive Director of Solidarité des Femmes Immigrantes Francophones du Niagara (Sofifran) organization.

2022

  • Francophone – Amikley Fontaine, Etobicoke
    • Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Sylvenie Lindor Foundation
  • Francophile – Joël Beddows, Ottawa
    • Artistic Director, Stage Director, Dramaturg, Professor, University of Ottawa
  • Young Francophone – Chloé Atwood, Cumberland
    • Student and youth activist

2018

  • Francophone – the late Paulette Gagnon, Sudbury
    • Development director, The Place des Arts in Sudbury and cultural advocate
  • Francophile – Margaret Aerola, Toronto
    • Administrator at Bendale Acres (Long-term Care Home)
  • Young Francophone – William Burton, Ottawa
    • Student and youth activist

2015

  • Francophone – Mariette Carrier-Frasier, Ottawa
    • Education advocate and Assistant Deputy Minister, Education, in Ontario
  • Francophile – Mary Cruden, Toronto
    • President, Canadian Parents for French (Ontario)
  • Young Francophone – Rym Ben Barrah, Ottawa
    • Student and youth activist

2012

  • Francophone – Gérard Lévesque, Toronto
    • Lawyer and notary public
  • Francophile – Alex Munter, Ottawa
    • President and CEO, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
  • Young Francophone – Danielle Blais, Hearst
    • Professional comedian

2010

  • Francophone – Jean Comtois, Ottawa
    • Education advocate
  • Francophile – Kenneth McRoberts, Toronto
    • President, York University
  • Youth Francophile – Christopher Sisto, Ottawa
    • Director of Marketing, Teldio

2008

  • Francophone – Robert-Guy Despatie, Toronto
    • Cultural facilitator, Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
  • Francophile – Chad Gaffield, Ottawa
    • President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Sshrc)

2006

  • Francophone – Annie Dell, Toronto
    • Regional Director, Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité de l'Ontario, Centre/Southwest Region
  • Francophone – Gérald Savoie, Ottawa
    • President and Chief Executive Officer, Montfort Hospital
  • Francophone – Raymond Tremblay, Hearst
    • Rector, Université de Hearst
  • Francophile – Caroline Andrew, Ottawa
    • Professor, Political Studies, University of Ottawa