Mélanie Joly honoured with Boghos Nubar Award in Montreal

MONTREAL— Canada’s Minister of Industry and former Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was presented with the prestigious Boghos Nubar Award on Saturday, October 17, during the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s (AGBU) 94th General Assembly in Montreal.

The distinction, among the organization’s highest honours, recognizes exceptional contributions and service to the Armenian people and community.

Joly has played a significant role in strengthening Canada-Armenia relations, particularly during her tenure as foreign affairs minister from 2021 to 2025, when she repeatedly addressed the humanitarian and political consequences of Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Artsakh.

In October 2023, shortly after Azerbaijan’s military offensive resulted in the forced displacement of more than 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh, Joly travelled to Armenia to officially inaugurate Canada’s first resident embassy in Yerevan. During the visit, she announced additional humanitarian assistance for displaced Armenians, bringing Canada’s response to $3.9 million.

Joly also publicly condemned Azerbaijan’s September 2023 offensive, describing it as unjustified. In a September 2024 statement, she reaffirmed Canada’s support for the release of Armenian hostages held in Azerbaijan, the safe and dignified return of displaced Artsakh Armenians, the protection of Armenian cultural heritage and a negotiated political settlement respecting the principles of self-determination, territorial integrity and non-use of force.

Held from October 15 to 17, the AGBU’s 94th General Assembly brought together delegates and members from around the world, coinciding with the organization’s 120th anniversary. The gathering included organizational meetings, discussions on Armenia’s regional challenges and future development, and anniversary celebrations. The proceedings took place at Montreal’s Alex Manoogian Centre, while the three-day program concluded with a special cultural performance at Théâtre Outremont, featuring prominent Armenian artists and musicians.

The recognition in Montreal highlights Joly’s longstanding engagement with Armenian issues and her contributions to strengthening diplomatic ties between Canada and Armenia.