Province appoints three members to Francophone Affairs Advisory Council

The act establishes a framework to promote the vitality of the francophone community in Manitoba and to support its development through the activities of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat. (File photo by Makaristos/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

The Manitoba government has appointed three new members to the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council, Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for francophone affairs, announced today.

“The new appointees – Angela Cassie, Normand Gousseau and Daniel Lussier – bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven commitment to the francophone community,” said Squires.

“Each of these individuals has demonstrated strong leadership qualities, and we are confident they have the experience, energy and focus to support the important work of the advisory council.”

Cassie is the vice-president of la Société de la francophonie manitobaine. She previously served as the Canadian Human Rights Museum’s senior vice-president of programs, exhibitions and public affairs, as well as the director of communications and external relations. Cassie was also a member of the Canadian Tourism Commission Youth Travel Advisory Council, Springfield Heights French Immersion Parents Advisory Council and National Council for Visible Minorities.

Gousseau is the executive director of Entreprises Riel. He previously served as the director of economic development at Entreprises Riel, and executive director of Festival du Voyageur. He has served on the boards of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Canada Summer Games Host Society and Abri Marguerite, and he currently serves on the board of St. Boniface Hospital.

Lussier is the executive director of the Corporation catholique de la santé du Manitoba. He has previously served as the executive director of Festival du Voyageur, and the employee manager of the City of Winnipeg Mayor’s Cabinet. Lussier is the current president of the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada and the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba. He also serves on the board of St. Boniface Hospital and Abri Marguerite.

The Francophone Affairs Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations to the minister on ways to develop and enrich Manitoba’s francophone community.

The Francophone Affairs Advisory Council was created under the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act. The act establishes a framework to promote the vitality of the francophone community in Manitoba and to support its development through the activities of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat.

Squires noted these appointments are part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to refresh agencies, boards and commissions to ensure Manitobans continue to be represented in these important positions by highly qualified and enthusiastic individuals.