Céline Baillargeon-Tardif leaves a decade of achievements at ACFO SDG

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When Céline Baillargeon-Tardif was little, she said she dreamed of opening an idea store.

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Navigating her life with entrepreneurial and creative spirit, the now-retired ACFO-SDG executive leaves a decade-long legacy to the Francophone organization in Cornwall, with countless ideas and projects that evolved under her leadership.

Full withdrawal from the cause is not yet in the cards for Baillargeon-Tardif, who is now part-time executive director of the Center Charles-Émile-Claude, an organization that provides services and programs for French-speaking seniors 50 and older. Both ACFO-SDG and Center Charles-Émile-Claude are located in the same building on Chevrier Avenue, so he will be nearby for consulting opportunities.

“Retirement to me is about slowing down, not stopping,” she said, laughing merrily.

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Hired in 2014, Baillargeon-Tardif initially focused on growing YThe Outside Humor Project/LOL-Mort de Rire Desjardins Contest, which is an annual stand-up comedy writing challenge for French-speaking students. Under her leadership, the program is now offered in 13 school boards and has flourished with the involvement of over 7,000 youth across Canada with the goal of providing them with a humorous artistic space.

“Humor and stand-up comedy is something that speaks to young people,” Baillargeon-Tardif said, adding that she quickly established partnerships to grow the program.

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Looking back on her achievements, Baillargeon-Tardif said she was proud of building partnerships between ACFO-SDG and Akwesasne, working on a number of projects towards truth and reconciliation. She is also pleased with the extensive work of ACFO-SDG staff and volunteers helping thousands of newcomers to the area.

By increasing demand when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has brought its processing center to Cornwall, ACFO-SDG created Carrefour Immigration Crossroads, which is a collaboration that connects newcomers to essential local services. A free thrift store was also created in 2021-2022 to meet the needs of new arrivals.

“This year, we actually surpassed the 100-plus (threshold) partnership for services,” said ACFO-SDG’s new CEO, Sonia A. Behilil.

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After moving to Ontario in 1989, Baillargeon-Tardif worked with special needs students in schools and child care programs before working as an executive director for various community and cultural organizations. In recognition of her work, she won the prestigious Leadership Féminin award in 2023, presented by the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA).

“Céline has not only made an impact with ACFO, she has done so throughout her entire career,” said Behilil. “When you see his career in the community, you can see that he’s basically built his own store (of ideas).”

Soon after moving here, Baillargeon-Tardif learned more about Cornwall’s bilingual community and set out to promote and celebrate that community through leadership opportunities rather than campaigning or fighting for people who use the French language in their daily lives.

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“Visionary, Mrs. Baillargeon-Tardif dares to find concrete solutions to complex situations. It equips people with transferable skills. Her authenticity and warmth have made ACFO-SDG shine for a decade. The Board is extremely grateful for Ms. Baillargeon’s dedication and legacy. We wish her a retirement that reflects her professional career, where she can enjoy life with her loved ones,” ACFO-SDG President Jasmine Bernier said in a press release issued earlier this year announcing her retirement of Baillargeon-Tardif.

Going forward, Baillargeon-Tardif said she is excited to bring her experience to develop the programs at the Center Charles-Émile-Claude. The center currently has 400 active members and is always welcoming more.

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