EVENTS

FIRST CANADIAN SUMMIT OF FRANCOPHONE AND ACADIAN COMMUNITIES

A large number of federal institutions attended the first Sommet des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada held in June 2007 at the University of Ottawa under the theme Mille regards, une vision (a thousand views, one vision).

The summit, an initiative of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), discussed five key areas: demographics, Francophone space, governance, influence and development. These discussions focused on identifying the priorities of Francophone and Acadian communities for the next ten years. They should inform federal representatives and help guide their efforts to support minority communities for the next few years.

For more information, please go to the FCFA site at: www.fcfa.ca

2007 CANADA POST COMMUNITY LITERACY AWARDS

In collaboration with Robert Gauthier, Canada Post

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The Literacy Awards were established by Canada Post in 1993 as a means to celebrate the achievements of both adult learners and those who have helped them learn to read and write. By publicly acknowledging these efforts, the Literacy Awards continue today to inspire thousands of Canadians to improve their reading and writing skills and to reach their personal literacy goals. A total of 126 nominations were received this year in the Individual Achievement and Educator categories. Short biographies of about 50 awards finalists are posted on the Post Canada Web site.

For more information and to see the finalists' profiles, go to: www.canadapost.ca.

EDUCATING PUBLIC OFFICIALS ON THE NEW ACT

In collaboration with Adel Ghié, Justice Canada

In May 2007, over 1600 public officials from various federal institutions received training on the Act to Amend the Official Languages Act. In the Department of Justice, presentations on the Act were given by the Office of La Francophonie, Justice in Official Languages and Legal Dualism as well as the Official Languages Law Group. Presentations for the Public Service were given by the Official Languages Law Group as well as Legal Services and Interdepartmental Coordination at Canadian Heritage.

FIRST GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FAIR IN SASKATCHEWAN

In collaboration with Frédérique Baudemont, Canadian Heritage

In 2004, the Saskatchewan Federal Council began implementing an action plan that includes a strategic objective to support official-language minority communities. Accordingly, the official-language community development support subcommittee, formed by federal, provincial and community representatives, organized the first government and community fair held at the University of Regina's Institut français on April 27, 2007. About 15 federal institutions as well as federal and provincial government organizations at the fair gained a better understanding of the relevant issues and priorities for the Francophone community in Saskatchewan. They also had the opportunity to increase awareness of their programs and initiatives that have the potential to contribute to the community's development. This new initiative enabled community participants to learn about the programs and services available and to meet with government officials to present their issues and projects. The enthusiastic response of community members and government representatives clearly showed that the event helped forge closer ties between Saskatchewan's Francophone community and the participating institutions.

SPOTLIGHT ON SUDBURY!

In collaboration with Jean-Pierre Roy, Industry Canada

A forum entitled La francophonie, j'en fais partie! Mettons l'accent sur Sudbury was held in March 2007. This interdepartmental event aimed to showcase the energy and vitality of the Francophone community in the City of Greater Sudbury and to raise the awareness of federal institutions to the needs and priorities of the region's community. The forum attracted over 126 participants, including about twenty federal institutions. Plenary session discussions resulted in a number of recommendations and ideas, such as creating a community coalition to organize a regional coordination process with a view to developing a regional action plan. The Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario du Grand Sudbury and the Northern Ontario economic development and employability network (RDÉE Ontario), made a commitment to continue this work.

SERVICE CANADA: NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR THE NETWORK OF COORDINATORS

In collaboration with Louise Hébert-Rahemtulla, Service Canada

In June 2007, Service Canada held its second national workshop for the Network of Coordinators responsible for the implementation of Parts IV, V, VI and VII of the Official Languages Act. The workshop was organized by the Official Languages Service for Citizens and Communities (OLSCC) and the Diversity and Official Languages (DOL) teams. The OLSCC and the DOL act primarily as strategic advisors to employees at National Headquarters and in the regions. They are also responsible for managing the Network of Coordinators. Working groups, presentations, often-lively discussions, and a visit with the Eastern Ontario Francophone community to Vanier Museopark and to the Navan site of the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE) Ontario enabled the 65 participants from across Canada to discuss their experiences, provide constructive criticism and work together to identify the barriers to access to services as well as suggest solutions to overcome them. Following this workshop, the Network acquired a broadened view of the federal government's responsibilities with respect to official languages and service to clients.

DEPARTMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGES MEETS WITH THE FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY IN SASKATCHEWAN

In collaboration with Viviane Beaudoin, Canada Public Service Agency

In June 2007, about 40 participants at the annual retreat of the Canada Public Service Agency's Departmental Advisory Committee on Official Languages took the opportunity to meet with members of the Francophone community in Regina, Saskatchewan. About twenty community, education and cultural representatives attended the evening event organized by the Agency's Official Languages Branch, giving them the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the Francophone community in Saskatchewan.

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