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The longtime Francophone leader will serve another two years, with a major community action plan expected in January 2027.
Fabien Hébert has been re-elected president of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), securing a third consecutive two-year term leading the organization that represents French-speaking communities across Ontario.
The announcement came Saturday, October 24, during the organization’s annual summit in Richmond Hill, where members gathered to discuss the future of French-language services, education, community development and the protection of Francophone rights.
Hébert, who has served as president since 2022, defeated two challengers: Mélina Leroux, executive director of the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne, and musician and entrepreneur Abel Maxwell.
He was first elected in 2022 and returned for a second term without opposition in 2024.
A Major Action Plan Coming in January
One of Hébert’s biggest priorities over the next two years will be putting the recommendations from the États généraux de l’Ontario français into action.
The province-wide consultation process brought together Francophone organizations, community leaders and residents to discuss the challenges facing French-speaking Ontarians.
According to ONFR, the consultation process included approximately 2,000 survey responses and 1,200 participants in regional discussions.
Those conversations helped produce a white paper containing 12 recommendations aimed at strengthening Ontario’s Francophone communities.
The recommendations focus on four major areas: immigration and community belonging, access to French-language services, stronger cooperation between organizations, and improving how the Francophone community is represented and organized.
A detailed community action plan is expected to be released in January 2027.
Experience in Health Care and Education
Originally from Hearst in Northern Ontario, Hébert has spent much of his career working to improve French-language health care and education.
He previously served as president and CEO of Smooth Rock Falls Hospital and held senior leadership positions at Notre-Dame Hospital in Hearst.
He also served as chair of the University of Hearst’s board of governors from 2020 to 2024, helping guide the institution through an important period in its development.
During his first four years leading the AFO, the organization has pushed for improvements to French-language services, health care access and educational opportunities.
Hébert says maintaining strong relationships with government decision-makers will be important as the organization works to secure funding and turn its recommendations into results.
Eastern Ontario Representation
The election also brought changes to the AFO’s board of directors, including new representation for Eastern Ontario.
Marie-Claude Dicaire was elected to represent the eastern region, while Melinda Chartrand will represent Central Ontario and Réal Deschatelets will represent the Northwest.
Hilary Kemajou was also elected as the organization’s youth representative.
The election was particularly interesting for Eastern Ontario, as one of Hébert’s challengers, Mélina Leroux, is originally from Rockland and has been involved in Francophone youth advocacy for several years.
Leroux had called for greater involvement from young people and stronger connections between the organization and local communities.
Looking Ahead
The next two years could be especially important for Ontario’s French-speaking population.
The AFO will be working to turn its recommendations into concrete improvements while preparing for the next round of federal funding agreements, beginning in 2028.
Those discussions could have a direct impact on French-language organizations, education, health care and community services throughout the province, including Prescott-Russell and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
For Hébert, the election represents another opportunity to build on the work already underway and help ensure French-speaking Ontarians have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their future.
The organization’s next major milestone will come in January, when its new community action plan is scheduled to be released.
For more information, visit www.monassemblee.ca.