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).

Eligibility

The Minister’s Award recipient will be 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 is composed of elected members of the AFO Board of Directors. Members are chosen to ensure balanced regional and demographic representation.  

The committee includes:

  • one member from each region
  • representatives of seniors, women, cultural diversity, and youth

The Committee will review nominations using predefined criteria and select the top two nominees across all Prix de reconnaissance categories.  

The Minister’s Office will then select the recipient of the Minister’s Award from 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 mean they must be Ontario residents who identify as Francophone or Francophile, depending on the nomination category. 

In addition, they 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: ofa@ontario.ca
  • include “Minister of Francophone Affairs Award” in the subject line.

Previous winners

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