Speaker of the Senate

Ottawa, Ontario, Sept. 25, 2025 – Today, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., Speaker of the Senate of Canada, was made Knight of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest honours. This distinction was presented by His Excellency Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of the French Republic to Canada, on behalf of the President of the Republic.

For the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, this recognition reflects the importance of making French a catalyst for empowerment, solidarity and peace, and a bridge between cultures, countries and continents.

“I am deeply honoured to be receiving this award from France, the homeland of my ancestors, right here in Canada—a country with a rich, diverse and resilient francophone population. I accept it with pride and humility; as a call to remain steadfast in my commitment to the French language, the Francophonie and the values that unite us.” 

She highlighted the role of those who promote the Francophonie on a daily basis:

“I share this honour with all those who draw on their courage and creativity to keep francophone minority communities alive in Manitoba and across Canada, and who defend our language rights with passion and determination.”

A proud Franco-Manitoban originally from Saint-Pierre-Jolys, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné is the 46th Speaker of the Senate of Canada and the third woman to hold this office. With a career spanning more than 35 years in the field of education, including as President of the Université de Saint-Boniface (2003–2014), she is a member of the Order of Canada, the Order of Manitoba, a recipient of the Prix Riel, and now a Knight of the Legion of Honour.