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Winnipeg, February 12, 2026 – The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) and the Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface (CCFSB) today announced a new strategic partnership aimed at consolidating and amplifying the economic development of the Francophone community in Manitoba.
This collaboration is part of a shared goal to optimize the strengths, expertise, and networks of both organizations to better serve the businesses, entrepreneurs, and bilingual and Francophone communities of Manitoba.
Together, CDEM and CCFSB plan to fully leverage the bilingual advantage as a driver of growth, innovation, and economic attractiveness.
The partnership is based on a shared vision: that of a strong, visible, and influential Francophonie capable of making a full contribution to Manitoba’s economic dynamism, both locally and nationally. By joining forces, the two organizations aim to offer a more integrated, coherent, and sustainable approach to French-language business development.
For Gab Riel (Pit) Turenne, President of CDEM, “This partnership with the Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface is a natural continuation of our mission. By combining our expertise and networks, we strengthen our ability to drive and support the economic development of Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities, while generating positive, lasting impacts on the vitality and sustainability of the Francophone community in Manitoba. On the occasion of CDEM’s 30th anniversary, this collaboration marks an important milestone in our evolution and commitment to the Francophone and bilingual communities of the province.”
“This collaboration with CDEM allows us to solidify our achievements and expand our impact for the benefit of Francophone businesses and entrepreneurs in St-Boniface and across Manitoba. By joining forces, we create new opportunities for growth and visibility for the Francophone business community, while ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to economic development,” added Sylvie Laurencelle, President of CCFSB.
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for CDEM, who is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Three decades after its creation, the organization continues to evolve and grow to meet the current and future economic realities of Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual communities. This partnership with CCFSB naturally aligns with this phase of growth and consolidation.
For CCFSB, this collaboration represents an opportunity to strengthen its impact, build on its recognized expertise in economic development, and continue to advocate for the interests of its members and the Francophone business community of St-Boniface.
Both organizations reaffirm their commitment to work hand-in-hand, in a spirit of complementarity and collaboration, for the benefit of the entire Francophone community in Manitoba.
About CDEM
Founded in 1996 by the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) is the driving force behind economic development in 16 bilingual municipalities across Manitoba. CDEM is active in the fields of employment and immigration, business support, community economic development, tourism, and youth initiatives.
About CCFSB
The Chamber has been in existence since 1953. The Chambre de commerce de Saint-Boniface (The St. Boniface Chamber of Commerce) was officially established on December 11, 1953. It is incorporated under Part II of the federal law on chambers of commerce. The CCFSB recognizes the importance of celebrating entrepreneurs who actively offer services in French. This includes ensuring that French-language services are visible, easily accessible, available, and well-known.
Contact: Rim Zaimi,
Marketing and Communications Counsellor, CDEM
rzaimi@cdem.com