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Caroline Andrew – Francophile

"Ms. Andrew has consistently promoted the Francophonie within her faculty and her community. Her social conscience and her active role within the Francophone community are worthy of recognition." – Selection Committee

A former student of Caroline Andrew once said that she "exemplifies the ideal of bilingualism." Having lived and studied in Québec and Ontario, Ms. Andrew, a native of British Columbia, understands the Canadian Francophonie. Caroline Andrew is former Dean of Social Sciences and currently Professor of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa. For over 30 years, she has led an outstanding academic career as a researcher and teacher in both official languages. Her fields of interest—municipal social policy, urban development and women in local politics—reflect her deep-rooted concern for social justice.

In addition to her numerous academic achievements, Ms. Andrew is also known as a driving force for change within her community. Throughout her career, she has used her theoretical and academic knowledge to promote social progress, and in particular to defend the rights of women and of Francophones. Her community involvement includes acting as Vice Chair of the City of Ottawa's Advisory Committee on French-Language Services, as well as membership on the City of Ottawa's Working Group on Women's Access to Municipal Services.

Caroline Andrew is a genuine Francophile who carries out her professional and community activities in both French and English, and strives to promote harmony between the two languages and cultures. She has inspired many students to become involved in their communities and to recognize the value of Ontario's and Canada's linguistic duality, a value which she truly exemplifies.

Annie Dell – Francophone

"The wealth of Ms. Dell's professional and community activities contribute greatly to building an open, dynamic Francophone community in Ontario." – Selection Committee

Annie Dell was born in France. Since her arrival in Ontario in 1979, she has worked relentlessly to support the advancement of the Franco-Ontarian community. Ms. Dell is currently Regional Director of the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité de l'Ontario (RDÉE), Centre/Southwest Region, where her work involves supporting the economic development of Francophone communities.

Ms. Dell is known for her conviction and tenacity in defending causes that are important to Franco-Ontarians. Her long-standing commitment to the development of French-language education within minority communities is well known. Over her four terms as school board trustee in Toronto, she played a major role in the establishment of new French-language schools and daycare centres. Several of her achievements have been realized through her work with many community organizations, including ACFO Toronto, the City of Toronto French Committee, the Salon du livre de Toronto, the Club canadien and other organizations devoted to education and socio-economic development. Over the past 20 years, Annie Dell has received several prizes and awards of distinction in recognition of her numerous contributions to Francophone communities in Toronto and Ontario.

Ms. Dell's tireless work is enriched by an openness toward Francophone ethno-cultural minorities. Thanks to her leadership qualities, Annie Dell has been able to foster new synergies and dynamic partnerships between the key community actors, thereby supporting the social, economic and cultural vitality of Ontario's Francophonie.

Gérald Savoie – Francophone

"Gérald Savoie's vision of excellence and his unifying leadership, as well as his determination in critical situations, make him a model for Francophones throughout the province." – Selection Committee

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Montfort Hospital, Gérald Savoie has demonstrated his leadership qualities often. After playing a mobilizing role in the campaign for Montfort's survival, Mr. Savoie is now overseeing a major redevelopment of the hospital that will double its size. Under his leadership, Montfort has become a reputable institution and a centre for excellence that is cited as an example in the health community.

Mr. Savoie has also led several other successful initiatives to improve access to health services in French, including establishing an agreement with the University of Ottawa for the training of future health professionals at Montfort. Mr. Savoie was also Chair of the French Language Health Services Working Group, which recommended the government that the development of French-language health services be controlled by the Francophone community.

Gérald Savoie is an exceptional administrator who adheres to a simple but effective philosophy: listen, plan, and act. His energy, his negotiating skills and his deep personal commitment to the Franco-Ontarian community are a source of admiration for all. Mr. Savoie believes that, in order to ensure its long-term vitality, Ontario's Francophone community can and must continue to develop, to strive for excellence, and to maintain control over its institutions, much as Montfort was called to do.

Raymond Tremblay – Francophone

"Raymond Tremblay understands the important role of education in the development of communities. His passion and commitment contribute to ensuring that small Francophone communities continue to thrive." – Selection Committee

Those who know Raymond Tremblay use three words to describe him: builder, optimist, unifier. Since 1986, Mr. Tremblay has been Rector of the Université de Hearst. He is also a former student and professor at the university. This institution, which was founded in 1953, is the only French-language university in Ontario. Mr. Tremblay has devoted his career to the development and promotion of French-language postsecondary education in Northeastern Ontario. As a strong advocate of the French language and culture within the region, he has led many initiatives to ensure the survival and development of the Université de Hearst. His determination and innovative spirit have enabled the university to overcome many challenges and to meet the needs of Francophones in the North.

Raymond Tremblay is also a major actor within several regional, provincial and national Francophone organizations. He was a founding member of the newspaper Le Nord and of the Hearst Arts Council, in addition to being a member of the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario (ACFO) and of several national roundtables for Francophones. Mr. Tremblay believes that self sufficiency is key to the vitality of local Francophone communities. His deep conviction that Francophones must be able to receive their education "at home" in order to control their own destinies has allowed Université de Hearst graduates to become leaders within their own communities.

The Université de Hearst is a major economic and cultural force in its region. It has developed unique expertise in providing university-level education within a minority environment. Raymond Tremblay has played a very large role in making this dream a reality.