Jean-Bernard Lafontaine receives the Public Service Award of Excellence
With the collaboration of Canadian Heritage
Jean-Bernard Lafontaine, Regional Executive Director, Atlantic Region, has been awarded the Public Service Award of Excellence 2009 under the "Official Languages" category.
During his career within the Public Service, Mr. Lafontaine particularly stood out for his significant contribution with respect to the Atlantic provinces' Acadian and Francophone communities. He never hesitated to play a leadership role, as he established Official Languages Week in New Brunswick to raise awareness of official languages issues among federal public servants, or as Champion of the Official Languages Committee of the New Brunswick Federal Council. He has worked relentlessly to ensure support for the Congrès mondial acadien in 2004 and 2009, and he played a key role in the development of school-community centres in Canada. Furthermore, as noted by the director general of the Sainte-Anne community centre in Fredericton,
Finally, as an official languages manager in the Department, Mr. Lafontaine has contributed at the policy level as well as in client services delivery. His sound experience with these issues, pragmatic judgment and straightforward way of discussing things with colleagues, clients and elected officials made him a valued mentor, one who is always called upon to go the extra mile.
Mr. Lafontaine officially retired on August 28, 2009. He takes with him fond memories of his time with Canadian Heritage.
Judith A. LaRocque, Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage, and Jean-Bernard Lafontaine, Regional Executive Director, Canadian Heritage, Atlantic Region.