Vancouver, April 15, 2010 – The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, today made public a study on development perspectives that could help enhance the vitality of the British Columbia Francophone community.
“The objective of this study, as well as the studies on vitality we have already published, is to provide these communities with tools so that they can better identify priorities in terms of community vitality and are better equipped to objectively measure results,” said Mr. Fraser.
For example, the study explains how the community can create community governance that is representative of the evolving Francophone population, and help develop a greater sense of belonging to the Francophone community among youth, through education and youth networks. The study also highlights the importance of taking steps to address the specific challenges that this community faces, particularly the aging of its population and the lack of community infrastructure.
“At the recent Olympic Games, to the benefit of all Franco-British Columbians, the British Columbia Francophone community demonstrated its potential role as a valuable partner for municipalities and the province when they undertake major projects,” stressed Mr. Fraser. “It is essential that the community and government authorities build on this notable success.”
The Commissioner hopes that federal government institutions will use this study, and community consultations, to better target their efforts. All federal institutions are responsible for providing services and taking positive measures that meet the needs of official-language communities, and for supporting the development of these communities.
“This study is part of the process enabling the community to drive its own development”, said Mr. Fraser. “The leadership of British Columbia’s Francophone community needs to be able to rely on the support of BC’s Francophone community as a whole, the provincial government, and federal institutions. It is from this perspective that my office has contributed this study. I hope that it can serve as a model for similar studies in other Francophone communities.”
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For more information or to schedule an interview with the Commissioner, please contact:
Robin Cantin
Manager, Media Relations
Telephone: 613-995-0374
Cellular: 613-324-0999
Toll-free: 1-877-996-6368
E-mail: robin.cantin@ocol-clo.gc.ca
