ANNUAL ÜxÑÉÜà. Message from the President

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1 ANNUAL ÜxÑÉÜà 2004 Message from the President With the second Canada-Community Agreement concluding on March 31, 2004, the year was a good time for a review and an evaluation of our accomplishments and of our needs for the years to come. Given this timing, throughout the year the FFCB has put a great deal of effort into conducting a variety of surveys that targeted Francophone individuals and organizations. These evaluations resulted in the drafting of a number of documents such as the report on the outcomes of the previous Agreement, the Rapport des retombées de l Entente Canada-communauté When I think back over the past five years and try to make my own assessment, I can t help but be pleased with the strides our community has made. We find ourselves with new institutions and existing organizations have strengthened their achievements. Today, I am particularly happy to be able to say that our community has access to education in French at the primary, secondary and now, university levels. FFCB staff have worked long and hard over several years to finally arrive at the creation of a post-secondary education program in French. And to say nothing of the progress we ve made in areas that only a few years ago were underdeveloped: such as health and immigration. We now have RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique, which represents the Francophone community in dealings with provincial and federal health care representatives to secure services in French. Our organization also has the tools to support expansion of the Francophone immigration sector in British Columbia, and eventually highlight and facilitate the immigration of Frenchspeaking people to this province. Over the past five, ten and twenty years, our community has gone through some trying and difficult times just like any individual, couple or family. Today we are in one of our strong and positive periods. I am struck by the atmosphere of cooperation that imbues all Francophone organizations. This cooperation, strength and unity are extremely important as we begin negotiating the next Canada-Community Agreement and quickly approach the 60th anniversary celebrations of the FFCB. This significant milestone needs to go beyond the FFCB and generate festivities for the community as a whole, which should take this opportunity to celebrate and take pride in the 60 years its representative organization has been in existence. We should never forget that the FFCB is all of us: the community, Francophone organizations and individuals. Although there is cause for celebration, our community will be facing a number of challenges in the years to come and particularly in this next one. We begin negotiations for the next Canada- Community Agreement, and must take stock of our community s dependence on funding from various federal departments and provincial ministries and of our future as a whole. I am confident that our community is equal to these tasks. The definition of the new Global Development Plan proves just how organized, dynamic and willing our community is. This annual report covers the primary activities of the Fédération des francophones de la C.-B. (FFCB) spanning the period from April 1, 2003 to March 31, The Fédération is a provincial non-profit organization that represents and upholds the rights and interests of some 63,600 Francophones in the province and brings together about thirty Francophone and Francophile associations. It is active in the areas of securing French-language services, political lobbying, cultural and community development, and services to member associations. 1

2 Message from the Executive Director 2 When I think back over this past year, a number of words and images come to mind. I think first of all the work we accomplished as the second Canada- Community Agreement came to an end, as did the Canada/British Columbia General Agreement and our own global development plan. The year was marked by an extended process of deliberation regarding these three elements and by numerous consultations. We met several times across the province to take the pulse of the community and, most importantly, to define our second global development plan. This plan will be key in negotiating the new Canada- Community Agreement and for presenting our goals to those federal departments that wish to take part in our community s development. Our community is prepared to work out the Canada-Community Agreement s terms of renewal. However, the Federal Government is not. As of March 31, 2004, no meeting had taken place between the negotiating committee and the government. The FFCB is in a holding pattern. It is waiting to begin negotiations for a third Canada-Community Agreement and it is waiting for Canadian Heritage s new guidelines. The dependence of the FFCB and the community on Canadian Heritage could be problematic. We are currently unfulfilled, a bit like a jockey at the starting gate who has been told not to run. It s a frustrating situation for everyone in the community as it is for the FFCB. Our organization has a number of projects in mind to advance our community but everything is on hold due to the federal apparatus that moves at such a slow pace, and perhaps due also to the politicization of the program on which we depend. When I consider this financial dependence, I realize just how much our community and its representative organization need the foundation in order to secure their future. Over the course of the year, the Fondation made some preliminary steps in preparation for future developments. Next year, it will conduct a major fundraising activity and it is very important that our community get involved. Its success will depend on the participation of all community players and will eventually benefit all Francophone associations and individuals. Despite our expectations, we should maintain a positive outlook. Looking at the outcomes of the Agreement, the significant progress we have made is evident. New organizations are a testament to our community s vitality. These include RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique, the Association des juristes d expression français de la C.-B., the Association des francophones et francophiles du Nord-Ouest, the Association francophone de Richmond and the Association francophone des éducatrices et éducateurs de la petite enfance. A number of community festivals and events have either been born or have expanded. New French-language schools and programs have opened their doors. Some associations have moved to premises that are better suited for the offering of new services. During the year, we were able to create new institutions. We already had the Conseil scolaire francophone, and now we can look forward to the creation of a universitylevel institution offering post-secondary programs in French. Simon Fraser University will begin offering new programs in French in September. Over the course of this year, the FFCB also made great strides in the area of immigration. The submission of a report and hiring of a coordinator will enable us to develop an action plan for offering services that welcome Francophone newcomers and help them settle and integrate into the B.C. community. The FFCB s 60th anniversary is fast approaching. Our entire community will be invited to take part and celebrate. This year in particular is a good time to ask ourselves: How do we want to position the organization to meet the needs of the third millennium and what sorts of challenges lie ahead. As part of its 60th anniversary, the FFCB will host special activities aimed at answering these questions. Its participation in the Vive la Différence! project is just one such example. It is an initiative for the future and a process that will enable us to better define our community based on its actual makeup and include all newcomers who wish to join.

3 At the Provincial Level Education Postsecondary: students are now able to pursue a university education in French in B.C. After eight years of working toward post-secondary education in French, the FFCB can now pass the baton to Simon Fraser University (SFU). This institution has just received funding from the federal and provincial governments for initiatives aimed at reinforcing postsecondary education in French within the province. During the year, the FFCB s efforts were critical in securing the funding and resultant programming for September First, the FFCB had to work with SFU in developing a business plan outlining the main elements of the project, including details on costs, designed to meet the needs of the various partners. The FFCB also met on many occasions with individuals to secure the resources necessary to implement the action plan, confirm Members of the SFU Advisory Committee: > Office of francophone and francophile affairs of Simon Fraser University > Canadian Parents for French > Francophone School Board > Fédération des francophones de la C.-B. > Fédération des parents francophones de la C.-B. > BC Ministry of Advanced Education > Canadian Heritage > Société de développement économique de la C.-B. > Simon Fraser University French Department Continuing Education Students Faculty of Education Faculty of Arts funding for the initiative and keep key players in the project informed. The result of these many meetings was significant support for the project on the part of a large number of people, including M.P., Hedy Fry, the Minister Responsible for Official Languages, Mr. Stéphane Dion, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul. In addition, the FFCB played an active role in implementing the initiative. It took part in developing the new curriculum, hiring personnel, establishing promotional tools and creating an advisory committee within Simon Fraser University. The FFCB ensured that SFU will secure community involvement in the project. The establishment of an advisory committee is a first for the Francophone community and it guarantees that French speakers will be fully involved in growing this Important partners in the Simon Fraser University (SFU) postsecondary project: from l. to r. Shirley Bon, representing the provincial government, Hedy Fry, M.P, Dr. Michael Stevenson, SFU President and Claude Provencher, FFCB President. Photo courtesy of l Express du Pacifique. university project. Over the next few years, the FFCB will be part of this committee that brings together key community, university and government partners, thereby ensuring a link between the community and the university. SFU will accept its first Francophone program students in September It will be offering an undergraduate program in public administration and community service, and will be expanding its professional development program in education. It will also be offering a Master s in French-language education outside of Vancouver s Lower Mainland. Memorandum on education challenges On October 24, 2003, the FFCB submitted a memorandum on education challenges in British Columbia to the Senate Committee on Official Languages. Specifically, it reminded the Federal Government of the importance of its role and leadership in education. It outlined the challenges being faced in education (from preschool to postsecondary) by minority language communities, particularly in B.C. 3

4 At the Provincial Level Health A Host of Firsts for RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique 4 1. Press conference This past year, the FFCB completed the last implementation phase of the roundtable on healthcare the Table sectorielle de santé and on July 7, 2003, organized a press conference to officially present this new organization to the public. Now known as RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique, the organization brings together key stakeholders in the healthcare sector and works to improve access to French-language health services. RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique President, Dr. Brian Conway, and other members of the organization took part in the official launch. The event marks a significant step in the advancement of healthcare and contributes to the recognition of the Francophone community by provincial healthcare authorities and the national agency, Société Santé en français. Official launch of RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique (from l. to r.) > Micheline Barrette, Executive Director of Réseau-Femmes > Christine Sotteau, Executive Director of La Boussole > Richard Stewart,, MLA Responsible for Francophone Affairs > Claudette Savard, V.P. Providence Health Care > Yseult Friolet, Executive Director of the FFCB > Dr. Brian Conway, President of RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique > Hélène Cameron, Coordinator for RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique 2. Attending the Société Santé en français Annual General Meeting RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique attended the first Société Santé en français Annual General Meeting that took place in September 2003 in Winnipeg. Société Santé en français brings together provincial and territorial health networks and is mandated to support the development of French healthcare services in French-speaking minority communities throughout the country. At this meeting, Dr. Brian Conway, President of RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique, was elected to the Société Santé en français Board of Directors. The FFCB was extremely pleased with this nomination as it ensures B.C. representation within a national organization. Dr. Brian Conway, President of RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique and Société Santé en français board member.

5 At the Provincial Level Health 3. New Web site On August 21, 2003, with the assistance of the FFCB, RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique launched a new Web site that introduced the organization to the public. The site has four main sections. The first two provide the general public with information on various aspects of healthcare, the third describes the organization and the last section is for healthcare professionals. 5 RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique activities This past year, RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique has focused on requests for proposals and criteria related to the Primary Health Care (PHC) Transition Fund, which is a $20 million fund for Francophones outside Quebec. Through this fund, over the next few years RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique will distribute the BC Health Guide in French to 24,000 households, professionals and health boards. It Support for RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique Throughout the year, the FFCB supported the various efforts of RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique. It was involved in preparing reports and financial statements required for funding by the Société Santé en français, attended executive committee meetings, supported project applications, in particular for the PHC Transition Fund, will work on producing a new provincial directory that identifies bilingual professionals in specific health regions, create a link for service delivery between Francophone clients and French-speaking healthcare professionals for a regional health board, and establish a single point of contact for 24-hour medical interpretation services. It will also ensure greater availability of French educational materials and will work with various partners and provided the organization with financial and administrative support. With the RésoSanté involved in Health Canada audits, FFCB support was key to its development and success with activities in B.C. to establish a provincial access point that links the Conseil Scolaire Francophone (CSF) to provincial resources for children with disabilities.

6 6 At the Provincial Level Canada/British Columbia General Agreement The first Canada/British Columbia General Agreement on the Promotion of Official Languages came to an end on March 31, 2004 and will be extended for one year before its possible renewal for a second term. Over the first three years of the Agreement, the Federal Government gave $1.5 million to the B.C. Government and the province itself contributed up to $750,000. Before renewing the Agreement, Canadian Heritage intends over the next few months to review the outcomes of the first Agreement. Its goal is to determine whether the Agreement has met its objectives and resulted in the completion of action items adopted at the beginning of the term. Its impact will be measured in terms of available services, translated documents and secured partnerships between ministries and the Francophone community. The FFCB is satisfied with the overview of activities supported by the Canada/British Columbia General Agreement. The FFCB has noted that the vast majority of its recommendations to the Agreement s advisory committee in June 2001 were followed by the provincial government. As the Agreement is up for renewal, the Bureau of Francophone and Francophile Affairs, which is responsible for the administration of the Canada/British Columbia Agreement, joined with the FFCB to consult with the community. This process was designed to determine the needs of the community and update the provincial action plan for the second Agreement. As part of this process, the FFCB distributed a needs evaluation questionnaire to all Francophones in its Community priorities for provincial services in French > Health services > Social services > Legal services > Employment and economic development services database. It compiled the results and submitted findings to the Bureau of Francophone and Francophile Affairs. The priorities voiced by the community appear in the box below. Over the next few months, the FFCB will be working with both the provincial and federal governments to ensure that a new agreement is signed and that it meets the needs of the Francophone community in terms of priorities and the level and types of funding. FFCB activities supported by the Canada/British Columbia General Agreement > The Provincial Government has funded and worked with the FFCB, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the immigration office of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women s Services (MCAWS) to conduct a study into Francophone immigration to Vancouver. > The province took part in the Global Development Plan consultation conducted by the FFCB within the Francophone community, including a section on service priorities at the provincial level. > The province helped develop an interprovincial cooperation agreement with Quebec. Consultation with Francophone community groups in the areas of education, culture and economic development resulted in a document that presents the community s position in relation to the Quebec government. > The Bureau of Francophone and Francophile Affairs provided information on postsecondary education in support of a project that the FFCB is conducting.

7 At the Provincial Level Journée de la francophonie declared On March 22, 2004, and for the fourth consecutive year, the FFCB was in attendance at the Legislative Assembly in Victoria for the declaration of la Journée de la francophonie. On this special occasion, the Bureau of Francophone and Francophile Affairs invited members of the Assembly to learn more about the history of the Francophone community in British Columbia. This FFCB initiative provides an annual opportunity to remind politicians about our community and highlight our presence in the province. Olympic Games The Olympics have come to the fore at the FFCB. Ever since it was announced that Vancouver will host the 2010 Games, the FFCB has been involved in ensuring there is full consideration of official languages in both the organization and hosting of the Games. The FFCB has offered the Organizing Committee (VANOC) the community s help and has met with the Committee s Chief Executive Officer. It has also established regular contact with the Games Secretariat, submitted a memorandum to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages, and struck a working committee within the community to coordinate its activities around the Games. FFCB efforts have ensured that government and VANOC leaders are aware of the official language issues. The organizers have made it clear that they would like to give the community and the French language the visibility they deserve and that the community should have a prime position in activities related to the Games. Main points from the FFCB memorandum presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages. In its memorandum, the FFCB reminded parliamentarians that the Multi-Party Agreement signed by various Olympic partners includes important elements relating to official languages. There must be close monitoring to ensure that the Agreement is adhered to. The FFCB also highlighted the importance of Francophone artists outside Quebec, particularly those from British Columbia, and the role they should play in the Francophone cultural programs associated with the Olympic Games. 7

8 At the Federal Level 8 The Canada-Community Agreement Overview of milestones related to management of the Agreement APRIL 2003 Election results are announced for positions on the province s Consultative Committee. Community consultation on outcomes of the Canada-Community Agreement and on the Global Development Plan (GDP) for Results compiled from community consultation conducted on the mechanics of the Agreement; questionnaire sent out in March MAY 2003 Francophone community forum to examine the mechanics of the Agreement. Discussion of all elements included on the March questionnaire. JUNE 2003 The community ratifies the Provincial Consultative Committee election results at the FFCB Annual General Meeting (AGM). Day of consultation on the Global Development Plan for : the community is asked to agree on sectors, objectives and expected outcomes. The report outlining the results of the Canada-Community Agreement is submitted and there is agreement on the elements required to negotiate the next agreement. The GDP is adopted at the AGM. OCTOBER 2003 Meeting of the Provincial Consultative Committee; orientation for new members and discussion regarding negotiation of the next agreement. Meeting of community members on the Management Committee to discuss the impact of new departmental requirements regarding the evaluation of funding requests. Provincial Consultative Committee members elect their Chairperson and Management Committee. NOVEMBER 2003 A Heritage Canada representative presents the interim process for funding. DÉCEMBER 2003 Groups are asked to make their requests for core and project funding for January 23 is the deadline for submitting funding requests. JANUARY 2004 Funding reminder letter, receipt of requests and variety of support to applicants. FEBRUARY 2004 Nominations opened for eight positions on the Provincial Consultative Committee for Meeting of the Provincial Consultative Committee to organize the Forum. Forum takes place on February 21. The community identifies guiding principles for funding organizations; funds come from the Canada- Community Agreement. MARCH 2004 Both parts of the Management Committee meet to assess requests. Members of the Provincial Consultative Committee for Pierre Senay, Chair, and representing the economic development sector Claude Provencher, President of the FFCB Vacant, Member at large Louis Gagné, representing Northern British Columbia Suzanne Moreau, representing Southern British Columbia Edith Guilbeault, representing Vancouver Island Anne-Marie Guminski, representing Greater Vancouver Karine Murray, representing youth Louis-Philippe Fortier, representing seniors Chantal Lefevbre, representing women s interests Chantal Vadnais, representing the educational sector Denise Gagnon-Branter, representing the cultural sector Yseult Friolet, Secretary Distribution of program and project funding through the Canada-Community Agreement Program Funding Amount requested by the community $ 1,955,913 Funds granted $ 1,676,641 Number of organizations that 20 received project funding Project Funding Amount requested by the community $ 1,085,622 Funds granted $ 536,237 Number of projects that received funding 34

9 At the Federal Level L Entente Canada-communauté The second Canada-Community Agreement comes to an end The second Canada- Community Agreement came to an end on March 31, The Agreement commits Canadian Heritage to support the development and vitality of the Francophone community in British Columbia. The Agreement provided direct support to organizations programming and projects in the amount of $12,060,000 over five years; which amounts to approximately one-third of the community s funding. During the year, several initiatives were undertaken in anticipation of the Agreement s renewal, specifically an assessment of how the agreement functions and an analysis of the preceding agreement s outcomes. The evaluation of the agreement s mechanics led to a number of findings. Specifically, the community is satisfied with the Agreement s current processes. There is no expressed desire to change the mandate or responsibilities of the Consultative Committee or the Management Committee, other than the electoral process. As for outcomes, the previous Agreement mirrors the path followed by the community since The main outcomes from the Canada- Community Agreement are presented in the table below. Negotiations for the new agreement have not yet begun; however, the FFCB is aware that the negotiating committee will have to lobby for funding of slightly over 19 million dollars for 2004 to Members of the Negotiating Committee for the New Agreement Claude Provencher, FFCB President Yseult Friolet, FFCB Executive Director Chantal Vadnais Anne-Marie Guminski Céline Gagnon 9 Main Outcomes of the Canada-Community Agreement Production of a season of professional theatre by the Théâtre La Seizième. La Communauté et la culture : une affaire de coeur symposium organized by the Conseil culturel et artistique Growth in existing festivals such as Maillardville s Festival du Bois and Nanaimo s Maple Sugar Festival Increased Internet access within associations Production of a brochure and exhibition promoting Francophone life Creation of a Francophone newspaper, a community radio pilot project, and new television channels and radio stations Creation of the Association de juristes d expression française de la C.-B., Association des francophones et francophiles du Nord- Ouest,Association francophone de Richmond, Association francophone des éducatrices et éducateurs de la petite enfance de la C.-B. and RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique Renewed community spaces in Campbell River, Nanaimo, Victoria and Nelson Annual Jeux de la francophonie and B.C. Youth Parliament held by the Conseil Jeunesse francophone de la C.-B. First federal-provincial agreement on the promotion of official languages, nomination of a provincial MLA responsible for Francophone affairs and the creation of a Bureau of Francophone and Francophile Affairs First ad campaign for French services at the Federal level Signing of memorandum of understanding for postsecondary education Implementation of new preschool services and Mini franco-fun Health conference and a new directory of healthcare professionals Consultative forums regarding Agreement management

10 At the Federal Level FFCB Response to the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Official Languages 10 As she does every year, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Dyane Adam, tabled her Annual Report on the delivery of Frenchlanguage services within the Federal Government on October 6. The FFCB attended the presentation organized by the Office of the Commissioner. The FFCB agrees with Ms. Adam s findings that, although there has been much progress made by the federal government, since the Action Plan for Official Languages was tabled, its commitment to official languages remains uneven. The FFCB supports the report s recommendations about ensuring accountability. The FFCB agrees that this element is essential in determining the effectiveness of the Action Plan and that, to date, there is insufficient accountability within the federal government. The FFCB also agrees with the Commissioner s statement that the government hasn t risen to the challenge issued two years ago for a change in culture. The government still has not addressed the real problems within its departments: the lack of bilingual resources and pubic servants language skills. The FFCB is disappointed that the importance of regional community participation in implementing the Action Plan and developing programs and policies is nowhere to be found in the Commissioner s Annual Report. The FFCB believes that Francophones living in a minority situation should be an integral part of ongoing consultations in all sectors. According to the FFCB, consultation at the federal level is essential, but inadequate in determining the needs of Francophone communities across all regions. Other issues 1. Action Plan for Official Languages Ever since the Action Plan for Official Languages was developed in March 2003, the FFCB has been holding meetings to discuss implementation of the Action Plan and the accountability framework. A number of initiatives were made possible by funds released under this plan: the The Action Plan for Official Languages addresses important issues for minority community development. It allows us to secure more French services in important areas such as education, health, early childhood, immigration and justice. funding of postsecondary education at Simon Fraser University, the creation of RésoSanté Colombie- Britannique, financial support for the Association des juristes d expression française, and a number of initiatives related to immigration. 2. Treasury Board Pilot Project The FFCB is still waiting for an action plan to be put into effect with regard to Frenchlanguage services at offices designated bilingual throughout the province. The action plan should have followed on the heels of the January 2003 pilot project. The Fédération continues to push for action on this issue The pilot project has already had some concrete results: To generate a dialogue amongst partners, amongst institutions themselves and between partners and institutions. To gauge the availability and quality of Frenchlanguage services provided by federal institutions in British Columbia. To make members of the Francophone community more aware of services in French. 3. Forum 421 The FFCB took part in Forum 421 (4 Western provinces, 2 official languages, 1 action plan), which was a meeting to develop a regional official languages plan at the federal public service level. Through its participation, the FFCB was able to make senior public servants from the West aware of the challenges facing our community and have them accept a language retention initiative for senior officials. 4. Speech from the Throne The FFCB expressed its satisfaction with the Speech from the Throne made by the new federal government of Paul Martin. It was pleased to see that the new government reconfirmed its commitment to official language communities.

11 At the Federal Level Immigration Positive progress Over the last few years, the FFCB has been actively involved in immigration issues, which have national implications. Given the growing importance of Francophone immigration to the future of our communities, the FFCB believes that knowing more about newcomers needs and improving the services they receive are of paramount importance. Phases I and II of its project focus on these two aspects. Phase I research has concluded and the final report will be submitted in April 2004 at a press conference. The report is entitled L Accueil, l établissement et l intégration des personnes immigrantes francophones dans la région du Vancouver métropolitain and it provides relevant information on what French-speaking immigrants experience when they arrive in the Lower Mainland. It also provides a profile of newcomers and the Day of consultation On September 24, 2004, as part of Phase I of the immigration initiative, the FFCB held a day-long consultation on Francophone immigration. During the meeting, reception, settlement and integration services offered to them. The report makes a number of recommendations that serve as a starting point for the next stage establishment of an action plan that has already begun. A number of steps were necessary before the FFCBinitiated project arrived at a final report. The researcher went through the documentation, developed a questionnaire for agencies that help new immigrants, conducted interviews with Frenchspeaking community stakeholders and facilitated a day-long consultation on Francophone immigration. As the findings from Phase I became known, the FFCB hired a project coordinator in February 2004, who will implement Phase II. This next step requires the development of an action plan to provide better support to French-speaking various immigration stakeholders, representatives from Francophone organizations, federal departments and provincial ministries, as well as newcomers, deliberated From l. to r.: Yves Trudel, Coordinator for Phase II of the immigration project, Yseult Friolet, FFCB Executive Director and Marylin Viger from Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the end of a working session on immigration. people who immigrate to this province. The plan will be provided to the federal and provincial governments. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which is the primary source of funding for the project, has said it is very pleased with the steps taken so far. To date, Phase II has raised awareness amongst and provided information to several key partners in the area of immigration, specifically, agencies and the Francophone community. over strategies to support Francophone immigrants. Fifty people took part in this consultative process. Before this project, there was limited knowledge about the Francophone community and its challenges. The FFCB has therefore developed strong partnerships with agencies and federal departments and provincial ministries responsible for immigration. The FFCB will continue to work toward ensuring significant developments and will eventually secure service delivery at a level that meets the expectations of Francophone newcomers. 11

12 At the Federal Level Key findings and recommendations from Phase I report 12 Findings 88 native French speakers immigrated to the Greater Vancouver area in new immigrants with some knowledge of French moved to Greater Vancouver in 2002 and 640 immigrated to British Columbia. 3,625 immigrants who spoke French as their first language were living in Greater Vancouver in 2001 (arrived in Canada between 1996 and 2001 without necessarily immigrating directly to British Columbia). Francophone immigrants come from various countries in Europe and Africa. 60% of immigrants who arrived in 2002 were in the skilled worker class. Reception, settlement and integration services offered in French in Greater Vancouver do not adequately meet the needs of French-speaking newcomers. Francophone immigrants can access some services in a small number of immigrant assistance centres. Services are often limited to orientation, information and basic support. Direct assistance services, such as employment services, family assistance or other social and integration services are not available in French. The Francophone community offers a number of community, cultural and employment services in French, but is not always well equipped to support immigrants. Newcomers would like to have had more help from Francophone centres and groups. The FFCB worked with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to organize a citizenship ceremony in French a first for British Columbia. The event took place at Kitsilano Secondary School and 60 new Canadians took part. Recommendations Increase the number of French-speaking immigrants coming to British Columbia. Develop a promotion and recruitment strategy in partnership with community and government stakeholders. Ensure coordination across all issues relating to immigration of French-speaking people. Ensure that the federal and provincial governments consult with the Francophone community regarding issues that affect Francophone immigration and that they provide adequate resources to agencies that offer French-language services to newcomers. Ensure greater coordination and cooperation amongst immigrant support centres that provide services to newcomers in French. Ensure compliance with the Strategic Framework prepared by the Steering Committee and Francophone centres. Create information kits and distribute widely. Establish an information phone line in French. Help newcomers acquire English skills. Better adapt delivery of employment services to the needs of newcomers. Work towards recognition of diplomas and degrees. Conduct an awareness campaign on the positive impact of immigration of French-speaking people within the Francophone community. Ensure that newcomers are included in decision-making bodies within the community. Provide services that are culturally sensitive. Support economic integration of newcomers. Create a school that reflects the community s cultural diversity.

13 At the Federal Level Global Development Plan: the community s main objectives unveiled In order to ensure coordinated and cohesive development, the Francophone community has, for a third year, adopted a Global Development Plan (GDP) that outlines development priorities for the next five years. Creation of the new GDP began with the FFCB starting a consultation process within the community in early It focused on assessing the previous agreement and its processes and the community s new priorities. As part of the consultation, the FFCB distributed a questionnaire to Francophone organizations regarding the community s strategic objectives. It also sent the questionnaire to individuals asking them what kinds of events and activities they would like to see within the community and it held community and sector meetings throughout the province. Then it partnered with the Agreement Secretariat to set up a day-long working meeting to draft the final version of the GDP. The new GDP was adopted at the Annual General Meeting in June Today, the community has access to a document that contains primary development objectives for the next five years and expected outcomes. In this document, there are 8 sectors that are considered key, 36 objectives are set out and 55 expected outcomes. Completing all of the activities set out in the GDP would cost an estimated $60 million: $19.5 million will be requested from the Canada- Community Agreement and the remaining funding will come from other federal departments (primarily those governed by Section 41 of the Official Languages Act) and from provincial ministries and from various community activities (fund raising, product and service sales, etc.). Priority sectors for : > Arts and culture > Communications > Community development > Economic development > Political and legal development; and community recognition > Education and training > Social and healthcare services > Support to the organizations To fulfill its GDP, the!!! community received: > Canada-Community Agreement: $12,060,000 > Federal departments subject to Section 41: $12,294,470 > Provincial ministries: $1,977,963 > Other governments: $549,361 > Other sources: $7,579,732 13

14 Communications The directory of services in French L Annuaire des services en français 14 It was an evening of festivities and butterflies when, on September 27, 2003, the FFCB launched the 20th edition of the directory, Annuaire La Colombie- Britannique à votre service en français.for this special occasion, the FFCB hosted the event at the Executive Inn in Vancouver. A number of VIPs came out to congratulate the FFCB and many of the publication s advertisers attended the cocktail party. All of the attendees enjoyed the display of 20 years of cover art. FFCB Executive Director Yseult Friolet also provided some background on the directory and some of the great moments highlighting its history. This year, there are 235 advertisers appearing in more than 10,000 copies of the directory, an increase of 25% over last year. The cover page was designed by Pascal Bouchard, a young graphic designer working in our community. Although the directory has been available online for a number of years, it is now possible to use a search Awarding of the Prix Napoléon Gareau As part of its Annual General Meeting in June, the FFCB recognized the contributions of all volunteers who, through their activities and support, contributed to the development, expansion and vitality of the Francophone community throughout these past few years. This year, the Prix Napoléon Gareau went to Monique Hurtubise-Wyse of Prince George. Ms. Hurtubise-Wyse has been involved in Francophone life for more than 31 years. She is committed to communicating Francophone culture and traditions and has often provided free French courses to children in the Francophone Program in Prince George. She continues to be a dedicated volunteer within the Cercle des Canadiens français de Prince-George, even in her retirement. To recognize her contribution to the community, Ms. Hurtubise-Wyse also received a certificate of merit from the federal government and from the City of Prince George. Claude Provencher, President of the FFCB, also gratefully acknowledged the other candidates for the prize: Gaétan Desrochers, President of the Campbell River school parents association, From l. to r. : Pascal Bouchard, winner of the Annuaire cover page design contest, Claude Provencher, President of the FFCB and Yseult Friolet, Executive Director of the FFCB. engine to conduct directory searches online, download the printed version, and subscribe and attach an ad. The electronic version on the FFCB site is widely accessed, and is the page that receives Claude Provencher, President of the FFCB and Monique Hurtubise-Wyse, recipient of the Prix Napoléon Gareau. Yvette Gould, for her participation in a historical play in Victoria, Joëlle Rabu, member of the Association des francophones de Nanaimo the most hits (350,000) per year. board of directors, and Richard Stewart, MLA Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

15 Communications Scholarships Le Cornouiller d or Prize Every year, the FFCB awards a $1000 scholarship to recognize the efforts of graduates of the Francophone Program. This year, the prize was awarded to Bonnie Lépine, graduating from the Francophone Program at L École Brodeur in Victoria, in recognition of her hard work at the secondary level and to encourage her to pursue postsecondary studies in French at the Faculté St-Jean de l Alberta. For the second year running, the FFCB awarded the Cornouiller d or Prize, which recognizes the work of federal and provincial government officials who have made exceptional contributions to the development of the Francophone community in British Columbia This year, the Cornouiller d or Prize was awarded to Suzanne Barette, a program and services officer with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Over 200 people from the Francophone community or representing federal and provincial administrations took part in this prize giving. The ceremony took place at the HRSDC offices as part of the Department s celebrations of Semaine de la francophonie and the 400th anniversary of Acadia. From l. to r.: Claude Provencher, President of the FFCB, Suzanne Barette, recipient of the Le Cornouiller d or Prize and Yseult Friolet, Executive Director of the FFCB 15 Public speaking competition The annual public speaking competition organized by Canadian Parents for French took place on April 26, This contest caps off the school year for students in French and immersion programs. In addition to its judging role, the FFCB Recipients of the award since : Laurette Agnew 1994: Pauline Bélanger 1995: Jean Lambert 1996: Aline Tétreault 1997: Marie Woolridge 1998: Gerry and Évelyne Bergeron 1999: Gérald Moreau 2000: Pierre Livernoche 2001: Nicole Hennessey 2002: Henriette Moreau 2003: Monique Hurtubise-Wyse presented a $100 cheque to Tamara Slade from the Riverside Immersion Program in Coquitlam for the exceptional quality of her speech. Interface for FFCB Web site updates This past year, the FFCB purchased an interface for updating its Web site. As a result, we had to revamp our site. The new online face of the FFCB was presented at the directory celebration cocktail party and its appealing presentation was well received by FFCB members and other organizations. The site is designed to be a portal into Francophone life in British Columbia. The site receives an average of 125,000 hits per month. Administrative Training In anticipation of future negotiations, the FFCB provided member associations with a workshop on lobbying and government relations. The training focused on a number of topics, including the importance of these two activities in association development. It also presented a number of key ideas on how to apply these techniques. The 18 participants were then asked to put their newly acquired skills into practice by developing a lobbying strategy for negotiating an imaginary agreement.

16 Communications Overview of the 58th Annual General Meeting 16 The 58th Annual General Meeting of the Fédération des francophones de la C.-B. took place in Richmond on June 8, The theme for the meeting was: fulfilling our ambitions! Representatives from Francophone associations across the province met to discuss and adopt the new Global Development Plan. The meeting also focused on how the new Canada- Community Agreement operates. Delegates were introduced to the Fondation des francophones de la C.-B. s new corporate identity and the new logo for RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique. During the meeting, the membership accepted three new members: the Scouts francophones de la C.-B., the Conseil Jeunesse and Éducacentre. They also elected five members to the FFCB Board of Directors. Voted into the open positions were: Claude Provencher as President; Édith Bouchard as Director for Southern British Columbia; Évelyne Bergeron as Director for Northern British Columbia; Paul Deroy as Director for Vancouver Island South; and Gilles Toupin as Director for Vancouver Island North. Overview of the Presidents Meeting On November 14 through 16, 2003, the FFCB welcomed representatives from its member associations. Formerly known as the Presidents Council, this meeting has now changed its name to reflect the decision made in June 2002 at the AGM to change FFCB regulations and make this meeting a place to meet, consult and learn. The annual meeting no Vive la différence! For some time, Francophone and Acadian communities in Canada have been thinking about immigration in their midst. The FFCB got a little bit more involved in the process this year. It took part in the FCFA du Canada s national longer has the role it had previously to deliberate issues. Participants enjoyed this new format that provides them with more time for discussion. During the meeting, members focused primarily on the renewal of the Canada-Community Agreement. Through workshops and presentations, initiative called Vive la Différence! This project is intended to make Francophones across the country more aware of the concept of community and how it is being redefined. It presidents and executive directors discussed the importance of cooperation and strategies that need to be put in place for future negotiations. also provides them with tools for discussing how to bring communities closer together. At the Board of Directors meeting in March 2004, members moved that a committee be struck to discuss cultural At the Presidents Meeting, the FFCB was pleased to welcome Benoît Pelletier, Quebec Minister of Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs. Mr. Pelletier spoke about Quebec s position on Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec. diversity in our community. This is the first step towards a forum on cultural diversity slated for June 2005 as part of the FFCB s 60th anniversary.

17 Supporting the Association Network Support and sponsorships As it does every year, the FFCB provided assistance to a number of associations, either through administrative support or by participating in specific events or promotions. This year, the FFCB spent $8,000 in advertising and sponsorships. Sampling of support: > Advice to the Association des juristes d expression française de la C.-B. regarding their project funding requests. > Letters of support to the Société francophone de Victoria for their employment service initiative, to Réseau-Femmes for a project submitted to BC Gaming and to the Théâtre La Seizième for sponsorship. > Support to La Boussole, specifically for its homeless initiatives, and to the Fondation des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique to organize its annual general meeting, board of directors and production of promotional materials. Sponsorships, publicity and other activities: > Festival d été at the Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver > Gala provincial de la chanson and the Conseil culturel et artistique francophone directory > Student handbook for Éducacentre > Festival du Bois held by the Société Maillardville-Uni > Maple Sugar Festival held by the Association des francophones de Nanaimo. > 25th anniversary celebrations of the Centre Culturel Français de l Okanagan, the Assocation francophone de Campbell River and the Association des francophones de Nanaimo > Conseil Jeunesse volleyball tournament > Semaine de la francophonie held by the Société francophone de Victoria > Participation in a working committee struck by the Société de développement économique to look at revising its membership structure and the organization s constitution and regulations. > Support to the Centre of Integration for African Immigrants in incorporating their organization and to the community radio project in Victoria. > Discussions with Francophones from the Sunshine Coast regarding their membership in the FFCB. > Facilitation of a planning session for La Boussole. FFCB board member Antonine Parenteau attended the fair that was part of the Semaine de la francophonie held by the Société francophone de Victoria. Members of the FFCB Board of Directors (l. to r.): Pierre Senay, Yseult Friolet, Pierre Blouin, Édith Bouchard, Claude Provencher, Paul Deroy, Antonine Parenteau and Gilles Toupin. Missing: Évelyne Bergeron > Corn festival held by the Association francophone de Surrey > Promotional brochure for Les Cornouillers traditional dance troupe > Chambre de commerce cruise > Scouts francophones welcome activity > Alliance française souper du siècle > Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George sugar shack > French film festival put on by the Association francophone de Kamloops > Design and slogan competition and Francophones aux crayons initiative of the Fédération des parents francophones > Various ads in the Express du Pacifique and la Source 17