H. H. Stern Award: Fiona Stewart
Fiona Stewart is recently retired from her position as the Project Director for Services linguistiques in the anglophone sector (Education and Early Childhood Development, EECD) in New Brunswick. Over the past 36 years in FSL/FAL, Fiona has led numerous initiatives, including the creation of the French Learning Opportunities for Rural Areas (FLORA) program and the implementation of the Intensive (Pre and Post) French program in grades 4 through 12.
Responding to the need for better recruitment and retention of French teachers, New Brunswick received funding through Canadian Heritage to create the Services linguistiques program. The Services linguistiques team (project lead and six coaches) provides services for French second or additional language educators and school staff to enhance their French language and cultural understanding through classes, independent learning, and socio-cultural events. To date, over 1,500 people have enrolled in the program, which includes over 30 online modules, a language portfolio, a placement tool, and a platform of resources to foster cultural and linguistic appreciation. Fiona continues to consult with Services linguistiques as this province-wide project is rolled out.
Learn more about the H. H. Stern Award
Robert Roy Award: Nicole Thibault
Nicole Thibault’s career in language education has spanned roles in teaching, administration, and advocacy. Most recently, she was Network CEO of Canadian Parents for French, a position she held for ten years before retiring in 2025. Previously, Nicole taught Core French and French Immersion, served as a Vice Principal, and taught in the Teacher Education program at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education. She has also worked as an Education Officer and the Executive Director for CASLT. Nicole remains involved in promoting French as a second language (FSL) education and thoroughly enjoys developing new FSL resources, presenting workshops, and working with teachers and educational administrators across Canada.
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Honorary Lifetime Member Award: Paula Kristmanson
Dr. Paula Kristmanson is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick and Director of the Second Language Research Institute of Canada (L2RIC). Her research and teaching are set in the French as a second language (FSL) and English as an additional language (EAL) contexts, as well as in teacher education. Paula has been proud member of CASLT for 20+ years and has been involved in many CASLT-supported projects.
Learn more about the Honorary Lifetime Member Award
