Biography
Last Updated on Thursday, 27 October 2011 14:25
Manager, consultant, managing director, author and volunteer are among the hats that Senator Maria Chaput has worn over her career. A native of Manitoba, mother of three girls and grandmother to four granddaughters, she is known throughout the province for her commitment, outstanding contribution to her community and determination to improve Francophone life in Manitoba and in turn across Canada.
Maria Chaput has served on the boards of a number of organizations. She was vice-president of the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface Board of Governors and president of its finance committee. She was the first female president of the Société d'assurance-dépôts des caisses populaires du Manitoba. Maria Chaput is known across the province for her competence and leadership and for her contribution to the Francophone financial sector.
Most recently, Maria Chaput was honorary president of the fundraising committee for the construction of theatre spaces for the Cercle Molière in Manitoba, which was a remarkable success.
She has continued to demonstrate her ability to mobilize people, her in-depth knowledge of people and communities and her perseverance in carrying out initiatives essential to her community's development. It goes without saying why she has been honoured many times in her career:
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In 2011, the Légion d'Honneur, highest distinction of the Government of France, in honour of the battles she has led for the francophone communities of Canada; |
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In 2002, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal, for outstanding contributions to Canada, her community and her fellow citizens; |
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In 2002, the Ordre des francophones d'Amérique, the Western Canada Francophone leaders award; |
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In 1998, the Société franco-manitobaine's Prix Riel, for her 33 years of dedication and for being a model for young and old of what can be achieved when you care about people, your community, La Francophonie and your country; |
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In 1989, the Prix Réseau, for being a driving force in the cultural sector; |
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In 1987, the Prix Radio-Canada CKSB, for Manitoba's outstanding Francophone; |
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In 1975, the Prix du journal La Liberté, medal for Francophone women of action. |
Maria Chaput studied at the Couvent des Sœurs grises in Sainte-Anne-des-Chênes and at the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, earning diplomas in various subjects, including management.
She is the first Franco-Manitoban woman to serve in the Senate of Canada, representing by tradition Manitoba's Francophone community. She continues to further the cause of official language minority communities in Canada.
The pride she has in her community is legendary. She is well known in all Francophone communities in Manitoba, large and small, for many years. Her attachment and devotion to her community, her considered but firm positions on the issues, her ability to organize and her results-oriented approach have made her a champion of the French-speaking community in Manitoba.
2010 was the year in which the first "Maria Chaput" Bursary was awarded to a student from the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. Thanks to the "Famille Maria Chaput" Fund, this support will be available for all time!
It was thus a woman of action whom Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed to the Senate on December 12, 2002.
Proud of her heritage, Maria Chaput has conveyed that pride to others since her arrival in the Senate. For her, defending the rights of official language communities is a life-long commitment.
Maria Chaput and her husband, Louis Bernardin (retired from the health care sector), have lived in the municipality of Sainte-Anne-des-Chênes in Manitoba for more than 20 years. They divide their time between the Senate, volunteering and advocating for the rights of official language minorities.
