Canada's highest honor for diaspora member Justine Frangouli-Argyri

This is the highest honor reserved by the Canadian government for citizens who have distinguished themselves for their contribution to Canadian society, their community and their personal achievements. Unmute

MP Emmanuela Lambropoulos, presenting the medal to Justine Frangouli, noted: “Today, the federal government of Canada honors Justine Frangouli-Argyri with the King Charles III Enthronement Medal, recognizing her exceptional achievements and her valuable contribution to her community, her province (Quebec) and her country (Canada).”

MP Emmanuela Lambropoulos, moreover, referred to Justine Frangouli-Argyri’s rich biography, emphasizing: “Justine, born in Lefkada, studied Political Science at the Law School of University of Athens, embarking on a remarkable career in the media.

Since 1983, she has been writing for leading newspapers, radio stations and television networks in Greece, and is a proud member of the Editors’ Association of the Daily Newspapers of Athens. A prolific writer, Justine Frangouli has authored 18 novels and biographies, many inspired by the lives of real people. She currently works as a columnist for HuffPost Greece and as a reporter for the Greek diaspora website Hellenic DNA, while continuing to contribute to the media of her hometown of Lefkada.

Her literary work, whether in journalism or fiction, preserves the rich history of individuals and social groups, while inspiring future generations. Justine Frangouli’s involvement extends far beyond her writing. She is the founder and President of the Lycée des Helleniques de Montréal, a member of the boards of both the Greek Congress of Quebec and the Hellenic Scholarship Foundation, and was instrumental in the creation of the Statue of the Greek Immigrant – a monumental tribute to the Greek diaspora in Quebec.

Justine has also led fundraising initiatives for the DOvEEgene project, a pioneering early detection test for ovarian and endometrial cancers at the McGill University Health Centre. She has earned many accolades for her work, including recognition from the City of Montreal for the promotion of Greek arts and letters, the title of Greek Woman of the Year by the Greek Community of Greater Montreal in 2018, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for her unwavering dedication to the Greek-Canadian community. A proud mother and grandmother, Justine Frangouli-Argyri embodies resilience, dignity, and optimism, encouraging others in selfless struggles for the common good!

The well-known author, journalist and one of the important figures of the Greek Community of Canada, upon receiving the medal, noted: “I feel deeply moved by the honor of being awarded the King Charles III Medal by the federal MP Emmanuela Lambropoulos. I dedicate this medal to my husband Theodore, to my son Alexandros Argyris and his family, to the Lyceum of the Greek Women of Montreal, but also to all the anonymous Greek immigrant women who fought without supplies in a foreign land to resurrect a brilliant new generation of GREEKS in Canada!”

Moreover, a congratulatory letter was sent to Justine Frangouli by the Consul General of Greece in Montreal, Katerina Varvarigou, underlining: "The award of this exceptional honorary distinction is a worthy recognition of your contribution to the community, as well as your contribution to the relations between Greece and Canada. Your distinction is not only a personal success, but also an honor for the Hellenism of Montreal, highlighting the values ​​and ideals that unite us as a nation. I am certain that your path will continue to be a source of inspiration."