On November 19, 2026, the French for the Future Local Forum will welcome students from Grades 9 to 12 from French-language and French immersion schools across Manitoba at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM) in Winnipeg.
This exciting event encourages young people to express themselves in French, build confidence, and discover new ways to connect with their Francophone identity in a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Throughout the day, participants will explore a variety of interactive and creative workshops, including improvisation, theatre, visual arts, and dance. These activities will provide opportunities to discover new interests, develop skills, and connect with other French-speaking and French-learning youth.
The program will also feature a live improvisation performance by the Ligue d'improvisation manitobaine, showcasing creativity, humour, and the many possibilities of expressing oneself in French.
More than just a day of activities, the Local Forum is an opportunity to celebrate Manitoba's diverse Francophone community and remind young people that French is also a language of creativity, friendship, and endless possibilities!
SCHEDULE
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
9:00 AM
Registration, kiosks, ice-breakers
9:30 AM
Opening ceremony and conference
10:00 AM
Workshop #1
11:00 AM
Workshop #2
12:00 PM
Lunch
12:45 PM
Cultural activity
13:45 PM
Plenary and closing
2:00 PM
Student departure
Special guests
Mathieu Gingras
As a national spokesperson of French for the Future for many years, Mathieu Gingras has travelled the length of the country to speak with passion and enthusiasm on the realities and possibilities that come alongside bilingualism.
Alex Coates
Alex Coates is a well-known actor and comedian in Manitoba. He has starred in various films, television shows, and theatrical productions, and has been a member—and captain—of the Ligue d’Improvisation Manitobaine (LIM) for over 10 years. Furthermore, he runs his own theatre company and has staged plays at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival since 2019.
