Award Recipients

2023 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Ms. Katie North

Ms. Katie North is recognized for her many contributions, such as the advancement of nursing programs and emphasizing the francophone nursing profession in Manitoba.

A graduate of the nursing program at Université de Saint-Boniface (USB), Ms. Katie North attended immersion high-school before taking on studies at the baccalaureate and masters’ level and most recently as a PhD student. She also teaches at USB in the nursing degree program.

Awarded the Ronald Duhamel Innovation award in 2021, Katie North has also presented in French at conferences all over Canada. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE) and has researched on environmental durability.

Ms. Katie North was presented with the Margaret-Teresa-McDonell award February 16 2023 at a reception that was part of Santé en français’ Summit on the Health of Francophone Immigrants in Western and Northern Canada.

2018 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Dr. José François

Dr. José François was recognized for having improved access to French-language services within the health and social services at Santé en français’ provincial Forum November 1st 2018.

Fellow colleague, Dr. Julie Lévesque-Taylor, nominated Dr. François, since, according to her ”it is due to Dr. François’ initiatives that we have more doctors offering French-language services”.

The work of art presented to Dr. José François is by Franco-Manitoban artist Roger Lafrenière. The presentation of the Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award took place at a reception November 1st, to open Santé en français’ provincial Forum À notre santé… en français!

Santé en français wishes to congratulate Dr. François and thank him for his many contributions that have improved access to French-language health and social services.

2016 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Ms. Lorette Beaudry Ferland

Although Lorette Beaudry Ferland did not study in health or social services, she has been a committed volunteer in those sectors for over 30 years.

”She has demonstrated a profound and exemplary commitment toward the francophone community in ensuring the offer of French-language health and social services. ” insists Mr. Daniel Lussier, Executive Director of Corporation catholique de la santé du Manitoba (CCSM), who proposed her nomination. ‘’She demonstrates the same mentality the Grey Nuns possess: where there is a need, she takes action.” Daniel Lussier knows her well, since Lorette Beaudry Ferland was president of the CCSM from 2011 to 2016.

It is clear that her most invaluable talent is unquestionably her ability to gather people and advance un project so that it meets the needs of the community, such as the construction of a new centre, the creation of a new program or presenting a new approach.

Ms. Lorette Beaudry Ferland was presented the prix Margaret-Teresa-McDonell November 3rd, 2016.

2014 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Ms. Claudette Lahaie

Having worked in health services her entire career, Claudette Lahaie held various positions, but always maintained a connection with French-language services. Although it may be out of the scope of her position, Claudette ensures that discussions at any round table she is part of, take into consideration the wellbeing of the French speaking population. Both a strategist and visionary, she insures there is a direct connection with the community. He approach has always taken into consideration the offer of French-language services during the planning stage of any project.

Santé en français warmly congratulates Ms. Claudette Lahaie for her tireless efforts in supporting French services in health, since the very beginning of her career. In her soft-spoken way and most often working in the background, she has had a positive influence on the development and advancement of the francophone community.

A work of art was presented to Ms. Claudette Lahaie during the provincial forum À notre santé… en français! October 30 2014 to represent the Margaret-Teresa-McDonell award.

2011 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Dr. Paul de Moissac

A likeness to Margaret-Teresa-McDonell, Dr. Paul de Moissac is involved in his community making significant changes. He volunteers his time at different levels and his work does not go unnoticed. Of the many ways he contributes to his community, the assurance of having francophone representation on various committees such as the Round Table for the South or the board of directors of the regional health authority in the same area is one of the reasons this award recipient stands out. Providing French language services in his region is another way to insure his community has access to French health services.

Dr. de Moissac is a leader who uses his influence, his health skills and his human qualities to support his community. He makes himself available to lend a hand, to help however he can and to listen. Withought fail, he comes up with positive solutions in order to provide quality services in French. It is an honor recognize the merits of an individual such as Dr. Paul de Moissac.

Santé en français presented the Margaret-Teresa-McDonell award to Dr. Paul de Moissac November 3rd 2011 at a reception that was part of the Forum À notre santé… en français!

2009 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient – Dr. Denis Fortier

Dr. Denis Fortier has worked and lived in the rural community of Southern Health-Santé Sud for several years, offering French-language services to a large population. He is recognized for the excellence in care that he provides to his community. He is an individual that makes the effort to provide services in French and is committed to many health causes concerning the population.

He has held various volunteer positions among regional, provincial and national committees. A true visionary, passionate and innovative, and firmly dedicated to his family, his profession and the development of his franco-manitoban community.

Santé en français presented the very first Margaret-Teresa-McDonell award to Dr. Denis Fortier, November 12 2009, at a reception that was part of the Forum À notre santé… en Français!