Moving Forward: Strategies to Double Bilingualism Among Youth ATTENTION: POLITICAL, BUSINESS, EDUCATION AND LIFESTYLE EDITORS AND REPORTERS March 4, 2004 TORONTO, ONTARIO ¿ Dr. Dyane Adam, Canada¿s Commissioner of Official Languages, in partnership with Canadian Heritage, Intergovernmental Affairs and Canadian Parents for French, met with key sector stakeholders from across Canada in Toronto on March 2, 3 and 4, 2004, to develop strategies to support the federal government¿s objective of doubling, by 2013, the number of young Canadians with a knowledge of their second official language. The objectives of the symposium, entitled Vision and Challenges for the 21st Century, were to strengthen the commitment of governments and the general public in support of this goal.More than 100 stakeholders from key sectors of Canadian society, such as the arts, culture and sports, business and education attended workshops and plenary sessions to identify challenges, discuss best practices and propose concrete actions.¿We are encouraged by the exchange of practical solutions between stakeholders who clearly have a vested interest in achieving our goal,¿ says Dr.Dyane Adam, Commissioner of Official Languages. ¿The symposium has allowed us to reflect on the big picture and identify a course of action. Now, it is up to governments and stakeholders to implement these strategies. I will continue to facilitate partnerships that will allow us to take the next steps."At the symposium, the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Health, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister responsible for Official Languages, committed to going a step further in the implementation of the strategies identified by announcing consultations on French as a second language (FSL) in cooperation with Canadian Parents for French. ¿The FSL stakeholder consultations will include provincial/territorial consultations with stakeholder groups in order to identify needs and develop recommendations appropriate to each province and territory,¿ said Minister Pettigrew. Clearly, governments and stakeholders recognize the need to adapt national strategies to each regional reality.Overall, participants identified three common action streams that touch on all major sectors involved in increasing the number of young bilingual Canadians. Stakeholders recognized the need to share resources, to obtain commitments for action from different jurisdictions and groups, and to coordinate national and provincial effort to best implement and promote their proposed strategies.There is no question that second language learning is an investment in our children¿s future, which is why stakeholders in the education sector identified several courses of action. First, there is a need to establish Canada-wide second language competencies for teachers and students. Part of that strategy would include ways to attract, train and support quality instructors. The education sector also has to find ways of motivating and retaining French immersion students through their elementary and secondary studies, as well as of providing opportunities to build on their second language skills at the post-secondary level.From a business perspective, all participants recognized that bilingualism provides a competitive edge in the global marketplace. However, there is a need to create more networking opportunities. And while some businesses have clearly understood the positive economic impact of bilingualism, the benefits have not been fully researched. There is an urgent need to build a compelling case for bilingualism to ensure the competitiveness of Canadian business in the global market.Bilingualism is fundamental to our national identity. The arts, culture and sports sectors can build on our similarities, celebrate our differences and bridge communities. New technologies can also provide an opportunity to connect youth with bilingual role models in these sectors. Above all, there is a need for coordinated policies and activities to allow youth to experience bilingualism through these sectors.For information regarding the symposium, to see the photo gallery and to read the symposium summary over the next few days, visit www.ocol-clo.gc.ca.-30-FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: CONTACTS: Cristiane Doherty Symposium Media Relations 613-233-9191 1-888-473-3582 (toll free) cristiane@delta-media.com Chantale Breton Manager, Public Affairs Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages 613-995-0374 1-877-996-6368 (toll free) chantale.breton@ocol-clo.gc.ca
