La Dictée P.G.L. marks 35th edition with international final in Montreal
Photo credit Jean Rodier
The 35th edition of La Dictée P.G.L. concluded on May 17 with its Grande finale internationale at Espace Saint-Denis in Montreal, according to a press release issued May 19 by the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie.
The event brought together 76 Grade 5 and 6 students selected from thousands of participants. Students came from Canada, the United States, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Morocco.
This year’s final was hosted by Pierre-Olivier Zappa, TVA Nouvelles anchor and first-time spokesperson for La Dictée P.G.L.
Digital technology as theme
The 2026 edition was held under the theme “Connectons nos mots, partageons nos découvertes!”. According to the foundation, activities focused on information and communication technologies and encouraged students to reflect on responsible, inclusive and thoughtful use of digital tools.
Quebec Education Minister Sonia LeBel read the dictation text, which was written by author and broadcaster Matthieu Dugal. Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, also attended the event.
Winners announced
In the francophone class category, the winners were:
- 1st place: Amélie Prévost, École Paul-Bruchési, Montreal
- 2nd place: Étienne Lefébure, École Saint-Fabien, Montreal
- 3rd place: Arnaud Faille Durand, École Fernand-Seguin, Montreal
In the French as a second language category, the winners were:
- 1st place: Yasmine El Hajri, Institution privée Al Hanane, Morocco
- 2nd place: Hadja Karimata Balde, Complexe scolaire La Plume, Guinea
- 3rd place: Adama Seck, École Notre Dame du Cap-Vert, Senegal
The international final was also broadcast live on the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie’s YouTube channel.
