On behalf of Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipal leadership, I extend my most sincere congratulations to Mr. Louis T\u00e9trault on receiving the 2025 Prix Riel Award in the Education category.<\/p>\n
This prestigious award recognizes a lifetime of exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Manitoba\u2019s Francophone community. Mr. T\u00e9trault has been instrumental in shaping the institutional landscape that supports and sustains Francophone vitality in the province. As the founding president of the Franco-Manitoban School Division (Division scolaire franco-manitobaine<\/em>, or DSFM), established in 1994, he played a pivotal role in securing language rights and transforming the future of French-language education in Manitoba.<\/p>\n At a time when French-language education faced significant challenges, Mr. T\u00e9trault successfully mobilized parents, community leaders, and political stakeholders to establish a fully Francophone school system\u2014complete with its own governance structure and a clear mandate. Under his visionary leadership, the DSFM was launched in under six months, a remarkable achievement. Today, the division serves over 6,000 students across 24 schools province-wide, empowering generations of learners to embrace their language, culture, and identity with pride.<\/p>\n Mr. T\u00e9trault\u2019s contributions extend far beyond education. He played a foundational role in the creation of several key institutions, including the AMBM, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (Conseil de d\u00e9veloppement \u00e9conomique des municipalit\u00e9s bilingues du Manitoba<\/em>, or CDEM), and Eco-West Canada (EWC). His enduring legacy is reflected in the establishment of the AMBM Group, a nationally recognized model of Francophone municipal collaboration that continues to drive progress in bilingual service delivery, economic development, and environmental transition.<\/p>\n Even in retirement\u2014or more accurately, semi-retirement\u2014Mr. T\u00e9trault remains actively engaged. He continues to lend his expertise to the implementation of the Municipal Maturity Model (3M) across AMBM member municipalities. His strategic insight, balanced perspective, and deep respect for community realities remain invaluable assets.<\/p>\n The AMBM is proud to honor one of its most influential pioneers\u2014a visionary leader who transformed community aspirations into enduring institutions and continues to inspire all who believe in the power of collective action.<\/p>\n We also extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Carole Freynet-Gagn\u00e9, recipient of the 2025 Prix Riel Award in the Community Engagement category. Her exemplary dedication and service to the Francophone community are truly commendable.<\/p>\n Congratulations to both distinguished recipients.<\/p>\n