The voice of banned books echoes in Gatineau: announcement of the winners of Lance ton balado

Through this competition, the partners affirm a shared ambition: to defend access to the French language, encourage critical thinking, and give young people the means to express themselves on fundamental challenges. French for the Future, the French Embassy in Canada, the French Institute, and the Salon du livre de l'Outaouais are thus joining forces to make the voice of literature resonate with new generations.

Lisanne Rheault-Leblanc, Co-director and Artistic Director at the Salon du livre de l'Outaouais: "Another successful edition of Lance ton balado has come to an end, this time with a record number of entries from across Canada, from the Northwest Territories to Prince Edward Island to Quebec City. This proves that the flame of Francophone culture is alive and well across Canada. We look forward to welcoming the two winning teams in French as a mother tongue and French as a second language to the SLO. They impressed the jury and showed boundless imagination in declaring their love of French."

Geneviève Gobeil, interim Director of French for the Future: "For more than 25 years, French for the Future has been working to provide young people across Canada with concrete opportunities to experience French beyond the classroom. By supporting initiatives such as Lance ton balado, the organization helps create inclusive spaces for expression where young people, whether French is their mother tongue or second language, can develop their confidence, assert their identity, and actively participate in the vitality of Canada's Francophone community."

Alice Valade-Furia, Director of the French Institute of Canada: "Lance ton balado puts young people at the heart of a challenging and stimulating project, where the French language becomes a tool for expression, reflection, and creativity. This year, the podcasts give voice to banned books and to young people who have chosen to make them heard."

The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais, which will be held from February 19 to 22, 2026, will provide a space for reflection and celebration around the theme “Entre nos mains” (In Our Hands), echoing that of the contest. Giving a voice to banned books also means recognizing the power we have, in our hands, to read, pass on, and defend them. Books circulate from hand to hand, carrying knowledge, freedom, and resistance, reminding us that literature remains a living act, sometimes fragile, but always essential.

Congratulations to the winners of this fourth edition of Lance ton balado, and bon voyage to Gatineau to celebrate, together, the power of words and the freedom they carry.