Ottawa, March 29, 2023 — Canadian Parents for French Network CEO, Nicole Thibault’s longstanding contributions to the advancement of French as a second language education in Canada has been recognized with her investiture as a Knight (Chevalier) in the Ordre des Palmes académiques. The order is an honour that recognizes excellence in teaching and promotion of the French language and culture. It is bestowed by the French Republic and is one of the oldest civil honours.
Ms. Thibault strongly believes that learning French is a benefit for all Canadians and has over 30 years of experience working to ensure all students in Canada have an opportunity to access and learn their second official language. From being a French immersion teacher, educational consultant and vice principal and continuing her career with leadership roles to advocate for FSL education, she has dedicated her life to the French language, as such, the honour is deeply personal. “I am humbled with this honour and gratified to join other notable Canadians who have received this distinction. Pursuing my passion of actively promoting French learning and education has allowed me to work alongside and be surrounded by passionate and inspiring leaders – and while my name is being decorated, I am receiving this honour as part of a collective work that I share with past and present Board volunteers and staff of CASLT, CPF as well as visionaries who have served the Official Languages Branch of Canadian Heritage,” added, Ms. Thibault.
CPF is delighted with the news as Ms. Thibault has led important initiatives to strengthen the organization and has meaningfully impacted the FSL learning landscape in her role. “We believe this prestigious honour and recognition of Ms. Thibault’s career are well deserved. We are very proud of this important achievement and all her accomplishments. Her contributions have made a long-lasting impact not only on our organization but on FSL education and the country,” said Derrek Bentley, CPF National President.
The honour of Chevalier (knight) was awarded to Ms. Thibault by His Excellency, the Ambassador of France to Canada, Mr. Michel Miraillet, in an official ceremony held at the Embassy of France on March 28. The ceremony was attended by colleagues, CPF leaders, staff and partner organizations as well as her spouse and children.
The Ordre des Palmes académiques was originally established in 1808 by Emperor Napoleon I to honour distinguished members of the University of Paris. It became an order of merit in 1955. The prestigious honour is bestowed on noteworthy individuals of the educational community, in France and abroad, who have made important contributions to education, science and universities, while also promoting the French language.
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Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that represents 35,000 members across Canada and champions the opportunity to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home.
