Former senator and Ste Anne resident honoured
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A former Ste Anne resident and the first Franco-Manitoban woman in the Canadian Senate was honoured with the Order of Manitoba.
Announced July 17, Maria Chaput was one of 12 Manitobans to earn the honour. She had received the Order of Canada from Governor General Mary Simon in 2022.
Chaput served 13 years as a senator, appointed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien in 2002 and stepping down in February 2016.
The press release credited Chaput with dedicating her community work and professional career to the growth of the Manitoba Francophone community.
“She led many fundraising campaigns in support of important organizations such as Cercle Moliere and the Maison Gabrielle-Roy, and played a key role in the modernization of the Official Languages Act,” the release stated.
Lt. Gov. Anita Neville precided over the ceremony, saying the 12 Manitobans inspire fellow citizens and show them that they have the power to make a difference.
“The vast and varied contributions made by these individuals, whether their impact is felt on the local, national or international level, are the most worthy of acknowledgement and acclaim,” she said.
Prior to her tenure as senator, Chaput helped establish the province-wide francophone school division.
The oldest of a French speaking family of 11, she told The Carillon in 2022 that her father’s and mother’s families were structured, disciplined, hardworking, honest and caring.
“From both sides of the family we had give or take the same values, we all worked hard, we all had to be honest,” she said.
Her status as the first female Franco-Manitoban senator was a responsibility she took seriously.
“I felt that I was privileged to be able to advance, to work for the community and get them to have the rights that they really should have, and I also saw that I might be able to help other minorities get their rights,” she said. “So, to me it was something that really excited me because I thought, I need to make a difference.”
Others presented with the award included Rebecca Gilson, Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Glen Kruck, Trudy L. Lavallee, J. Kenneth Paupanekis, Kristie Pearson, Walter John Schroeder, Charlie Spiring, Felix C. Walker, and Marion F. Willis.