[originally posted in French] - These important places...

At a time when social media and globalization are breaking down the boundaries of what is possible, it is essential to give meaning to these places that connect us to something tangible: the historic and indisputable presence of Francophones in Manitoba. The old St. Boniface City Hall and the Civic Square are among the rare places that remind me of this history. Living in and participating in the future of these spaces is one of the many ways in which my community can take its place and shine, even today.

I also think it's important for Manitoba's francophone community (represented by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine) to be involved in the future of these sites, whether as consultants or managers. I have every confidence in the vision currently articulated by the SFM today, which I help to shape when I elect the members of its board of directors.

Students at Collège Louis-Riel and École élémentaire Taché (if I'm not mistaken) can see the tower of the old City Hall from their school. These buildings are part of the landscape for these students, who benefit from knowing that their community occupies public spaces, as this is a sign that it is alive and well and that they can be part of it. I myself gave my first speech to an audience on the steps of 219 Provencher Boulevard (the old Town Hall). I couldn't have imagined a better place to say the words that would define the person I am today. It’s these images that inspire me to write you this testimony and to participate in the democratic process currently underway to define the future of the former St. Boniface City Hall and Civic Square. I am not only hopeful, but confident that the City of Winnipeg and the SFM will reach a satisfactory agreement.