claims and to learn a bit more about the
native population, we have been paying
particular attention to how these issues
develop by conducting research,
establishing contacts as well as by
participating in workshops organized
by the Assembly of First Nations. We
should not forget that the Fédération
fully endorsed the position of our national
organization in recognizing the three
major national communities in Canada:
french speaking, english speaking and
native.

COMMUNICATIONS
Cuts at Radio-Canada
At the same time as the francophone
community considered itself

inadequately served by Société Radio-
Canada, it recently had to witness the

La Fédération des Franco-Colombiens

Public demonstration against cuts at Radio-Canada.

Annual Report 1990-1991

aS SS A SS SS RN ASS SE a

slashing of regional television productions.
On December 5, 1990, the President of
Société Radio-Canada, Mr, Gérard Veilleux,
announced cuts of $108 million, which
here meant the loss of five regional television
programs. The Fédération loudly denounced
this reduction in service and has worked
very actively on this issue. We have
written to Prime Minister Mulroney and to
Communications Minister, Mr. Marcel
Masse, in an effort to make them understand
that Radio-Canada is an indispensible
development tool for uniting, informing
and promoting the francophone community
in British Columbia. We have worked
closely with the “100 Days of Action
Coalition” as well as with the “Coalition
pour la Défense des services francais de
Radio-Canada”. This cooperation has led
to the production of a video-letter as well
as toa massive mailing of symbolic letters
to various targeted ministers with the

intention of increasing their awareness
of our concerns. Furthermore, we
participated in a public demonstration
during which our President, Marie
Bourgeois, spoke to underline the
seriousness of the situation. With further
cuts planned for the fiscal years to
come, the future of public radio and
television remains uncertain.

Within this context, the arrival of TVS
to Vancouver’s television screens after
intense lobbying by the F.F.C. was small
consolation, particularly as Rogers Cable
included TV5 among its pay channels
rather than as part of its basic service.
Communications Strategy

In spite of a packed agenda, the
Fédération took time this year to discuss
a communications strategy that would
target and multiply its dealings with the
media and the public. Action plans
have therefore been developed to
strengthen our internal and external
communications, as well as those with
our member associations. We believe
that by reviewing this communications
plan every six months we will be able
to increase our profile at the provincial
level.

The Fédération also had a high profile
through its participation in the major
events put on by the francophone
community. It was very actively
involved in the Féte colombienne des
enfants at Fort Langley, the Festival du
Bois in Maillardville and the Festival
francophone in Vancouver. We are
pleased to support any initiative that
promotes the growth of the francophone
community in British Columbia. We
often say that the F.F.C. fosters the
bringing together of organizations and
individuals. We are therefore proud to
have contributed to the success of the
Soleil de Colombie’s subscription
campaign.