AMBM President Ivan Normandeau issued the following statement recognizing the winners of the 2021 Prix Riel (Riel Awards) presented by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM), including the award presented to Justin Johnson, AMBM CEO, in the Politics category:
On behalf of Manitoba’s bilingual municipal leadership and the AMBM Board of Directors, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our CEO, Justin Johnson, recipient of a 2021 Prix Riel in the Politics category.
From the moment he joined the AMBM in 2018, Justin has distinguished himself with his keen intellect and commitment, in addition to his strong and convincing leadership.
We quickly saw in him a natural strategist and, above all, a formidable diplomat who admirably defends the priorities of our members and moves major issues forward at great speed. This is certainly not unrelated to his in-depth knowledge of the political and legislative workings of the three orders of government, his understanding of the issues and needs of Francophone communities and his great vision of a strong Francophonie, having in hand the tools to become the author of its own journey.
A proud Red River Métis, this young man from Lorette has an outstanding track record. At 29 years of age, he has already spent half his life volunteering. At the age of 16, he distinguished himself on the Canadian scene by winning an award for his exceptional leadership at the Jeux de la francophonie canadienne (Youth Francophone Games) in Edmonton. He was also President of the Conseil jeunesse provincial (Provincial Youth Council) and Vice-President of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA).
We are proud of you, Justin, and honoured to work alongside you. I am excited to continue our political and strategic representation efforts with you, in collaboration with the elected officials and administrators of our member municipalities. I look forward to working with you to expand municipal services in both official languages and to contribute to the development and vitality of our Francophone and bilingual communities.
To all the 2021 Prix Riel winners, a huge congratulations and thank you for your significant contribution. Thank you for making us so proud of our Francophonie and for inspiring us to contribute in the extraordinary ways you do: Crystal Desrosiers (Community Development), Doris Lemoine (Heritage), Marc Marion (Communications) and Justin Johnson (Politics).
Since 1983, the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM) has been honouring Manitoba Francophones who have made outstanding contributions, mostly on a volunteer basis, to the development of the community, while fostering a love of living in French. This year, the Prix Riel will be presented on Thursday, May 20 on the SFM’s Facebook and YouTube platforms. It is a ceremony you will want to watch again and again.
Information: Isabelle C. Monnin, Coordinator and Liaison Officer, 204-289-4077, [email protected].
