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Town Takes Next Step to Revitalize and Support Development Ste. Anne Woman Recognized with Order of Canada
By Dan Guetre
The first Franco-Manitoban woman appointed to the Senate, Maria Chaput, has received the Order of Canada.
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In 2002, Chaput’s name crossed the desk of then Prime Minister Jean Chretien and she accepted his appointment of her to the Senate.
Chaput served on the Senate for over 13 years and retired in early 2016. She continues to reside in Ste. Anne with her husband.
According to the Governor General’s announcement, Chaput was nominated to the Order of Canada for being a tireless champion of the Franco-Manitoban community and for her work on official languages during her tenure as senator.
Chaput is considered a key designer of the modern Official Languages Act, laying the foundation of a Bill finally passed after her retirement.
Receiving accolades from a nation was not new to Chaput as a few years earlier she was appointed “chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur de France”. She received this in July of 2011.
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, is considered the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to Canada.
The Town of Ste. Anne is moving fast on its commitment to support an active Community Development Corporation (CDC) by appointing key community members to the board. Taking a fresh look at develop- ing the community is Bailey Mitchell, Jeremy Wiens, Jules Pattyn, Terri Tauffenbach, Guylène McLean, Marcus Kirouac, and Jason Einarson. The Town municipal council confirmed they were appointed at the end of January.
The make up of this new board combines business owners, community service group involvement and council members. This holistic group has the potential to give council a diverse look at growing and improving the community.
