{"id":5007,"date":"2025-07-02T11:19:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vvgut0abxs.wpdns.site\/?p=5007"},"modified":"2025-08-29T16:45:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T21:45:42","slug":"manitobas-bilingual-municipal-leadership-meets-in-the-rural-municipality-of-saint-laurent-to-address-priorities-and-strengthen-intergovernmental-coordination-with-the-federal-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ambm.ca\/en\/manitobas-bilingual-municipal-leadership-meets-in-the-rural-municipality-of-saint-laurent-to-address-priorities-and-strengthen-intergovernmental-coordination-with-the-federal-government\/","title":{"rendered":"Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipal leadership meets in the Rural Municipality of Saint-Laurent to address priorities and strengthen intergovernmental coordination with the federal government"},"content":{"rendered":"

On June 26th<\/sup>, 2025, municipal leaders gathered in the Rural Municipality of Saint-Laurent as part of a series of strategic meetings aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of Manitoba\u2019s Francophonie<\/em> and its bilingual advantage. The event was organized by the\u00a0Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM). Federal Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface\u2014Saint-Vital,\u00a0Ginette Lavack, joined the discussions to hear their strategic priorities\u2014priorities that call for a collective response. Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities provide essential services and manage daily operations and local infrastructure. Their role is central to the social and economic vitality of our regions. Building sustainable solutions means working as a team\u2014a true Manitoba partnership.<\/h1>\n

Warmly welcomed by\u00a0Reeve Richard Chartrand\u00a0in the proud M\u00e9tis community of Saint-Laurent,\u00a0AMBM Chief Executive Officer Justin Johnson\u00a0presented an overview of the key strategic files identified by members. Among these is the rollout of public consultations for the long-term provincial strategy on bilingualism<\/a>, a fundamental tool to support bilingual municipalities in their leadership role toward a truly bilingual Manitoba. This strategy is a key element in building well-equipped, high-performing, and strong Francophone and bilingual communities. It can be supported by the\u00a0Municipal Maturity Model (3M)<\/a>, a unique framework in Canada for municipalities delivering services in both official languages.<\/p>\n

Johnson also emphasized the importance of systematically applying a dual lens\u2014Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs)\u00a0and\u00a0rural\u2014in the design and distribution of federal funding programs. This approach is essential to ensure greater equity and full recognition of the specific realities experienced on the ground by rural bilingual municipalities.<\/p>\n

In this context, the AMBM and its members remain attentive to the release of the next federal budget, expected in fall 2025, and position themselves as strategic partners to support the federal government in implementing measures tailored to the realities of Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities in the next generation of infrastructure funding to ensure successful growth.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0AMBM President Ivan Normandeau\u00a0expressed: \u201cBy teaming up with municipalities, the Government of Canada ensures the implementation of concrete and sustainable solutions adapted to people\u2019s daily lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

AMBM member municipalities have also adopted the\u00a0Prosperity Framework for Manitoba’s Bilingual Municipalities<\/a><\/em>, which outlines five strategic priorities: modernizing infrastructure; attracting and training a bilingual workforce; stimulating economic development, entrepreneurship, and investment; accelerating sustainable development and climate resilience; and strengthening bilingual government services and intergovernmental coordination. This framework also includes\u00a023 concrete recommendations\u00a0for the federal government to ensure coherent and structured action that benefits Manitoba\u2019s bilingual communities.<\/p>\n

Roundtable with Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface\u2014Saint-Vital, Ginette Lavack<\/strong><\/p>\n

AMBM member municipalities were able to present their key strategic priorities to ensure their communities are well-equipped, vibrant, and fully supported in their economic, social, linguistic, and environmental development.<\/p>\n

The presence of the Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface\u2013Saint-Vital,\u00a0Ginette Lavack, at this roundtable sends a strong message: that of a federal elected official who listens, is present on the ground, and recognizes the importance of engaging directly with Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities. As a representative of the federal government, her participation reflects a commitment to direct dialogue with municipal leaders, fostering an active and concrete partnership. This proximity paves the way for a better understanding of local realities and a more aligned federal response to the challenges faced by Manitoba\u2019s bilingual rural communities.<\/p>\n

A total of\u00a014 AMBM member municipalities\u00a0took part in the strategic roundtable, each bringing forward issues that are both shared and unique to their local context.<\/p>\n

More specifically, the following themes were addressed:<\/p>\n