This Thursday, December 29, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, announced 99 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including two names from the Francophonie of Manitoba: Maria Chaput, retired senator, and Bernard Bocquel, journalist, writer and former editor and publisher of Freedom.
Par Morgane LEMEE
As one of the country’s highest honors, the Order of Canada recognizes the extraordinary contributions of people in all sectors of society. Bernard Bocquel is well aware of the honor he has been bestowed, especially since it is the first time, to his knowledge, that a Francophone immigrant from Manitoba has received this honor.
“Also, a journalist,” he adds. I was completely surprised. As of 2022, three appointments to the Order of Canada are from the Francophone sphere of Manitoba. I never thought I’d be a part of it. »
I A Francophonie fighter
Writer and activist, Maria Chaput worked for organizations such as the Center culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM) or the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM), before being named senator in December 2002. She was president of the Standing Committee for Official Languages in the Senate, an important milestone in his career, which this appointment to the Order of Canada highlights, in addition to “his exemplary leadership within the Franco-Manitoban community”.
The former senator feels privileged and very happy. “I am happy with my results, without a doubt. I am proud that I made the federal government aware of changing the definition of the Francophonie, which was exclusive and harmful to us. Recognizing this true definition is a great achievement. Which I didn’t do myself, of course. »
And the Franco-Manitoban activist’s enthusiasm is still intact today. “La Francophonie in Canada is a chain,” he says. And every province and territory has its connections. If a province or territory surrenders, it’s over. We all have to continue. The chain is there, all over Canada, and we mustn’t let it go. »
I A first for the Order of Canada
Book author Au pays de CKSB, 50 years of French radio in Manitoba: great reportage (1996) ed Cayouche cartoons (1992), both published by Éditions du Blé, Bernard Bocquel is recognized for “his brilliant career as a journalist and for having shed light on the historical course of the Franco-Manitobans”.
“I was asked if I’d accepted it,” she says of the Order of Canada. In 1981 I became an immigrant who landed in Canada. In 1985 I took Canadian citizenship. But every time it was me asking Canada if it wanted me. And there I learn that Canada is asking me. The surprise is total. »
The appointments for this end of 2022 foresee two escorts, 32 officers and 65 members. Alongside Bernard Bocquel and Maria Chaput, two other Manitobans: musician and songwriter Steve Bell and indigenous author and teacher Patricia Ningewance.
Nominees will be invited to an induction ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the date to be announced later.
