Doctor of Letters
(honoris causa) DLitt
Janine Lafrenière, Advocate, Leader, Changemaker. Janine Lafrenière has spent her career standing up for those whose voices are too often silenced. As Executive Director of Nipissing Transition House (NTH) since 2004, Lafrenière has been a driving force in the movement to end intimate partner violence in North Bay and the surrounding district.
Her path began on the front lines, supporting women and children fleeing abuse. Through time and experiences, she rose to lead NTH, overseeing critical services such as emergency shelter, crisis counselling, and transitional housing support. Under her guidance, the organization grew into a pillar of safety, hope, and advocacy for survivors.
Lafrenière built bridges across a variety of public sectors, partnering with schools, law enforcement, businesses, and social service agencies to ensure comprehensive and coordinated responses to gender-based violence. She chaired the Nipissing District Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee, launching powerful public awareness campaigns like Safety Net and the One Pledge Campaign, which encouraged thousands of individuals to actively commit to creating a violence-free community.
Her work extended into classrooms, workplaces, and city streets. From organizing annual vigils for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, to hosting internationally recognized speakers like Jackson Katz, to championing bursaries that empower women through education, Lafrenière has consistently made space for healing and systemic change.
A tireless educator, collaborator, and advocate, Lafrenière has helped shift the community’s understanding of safety, accountability, and compassion. Her legacy is one of fierce advocacy rooted in care, and her impact will be felt for generations.