For the past three years, it has
been my pleasure to address you
as President of the Fédération
des francophones de la Colombie-

you with the highlights of the
previous year.

Following the adoption of the
BC Francophone community's
2009-2014 Global Development
Plan (GDP) in June of 2009, the
FFCB adopted a strategic plan
to implement it. This plan aimed to align the FFCB’s priorities
with those of the GDP and it helped identify two important
priorities: communications (both internal and external) and
good governance. This past year, two workshops dedicated
to communication and good governance were organized to
educate our province’s Francophone leaders and bring about
a global communication plan: a first for our community.

At the provincial level, certain policies have greatly affected
the funding of our organizations, particularly the redistribu-
tion of provincial lottery revenue (BC Gaming).

Transfer policies to the Province, and the implemention

by the Federal Government have resulted in the closing

of several Francophone employment centres, a tragedy for
these communities. Despite the FFCB’s ongoing efforts to
create a plan acceptable to everyone, the Provincial Govern-
ment has maintained its stance. The imposed plan will reduce
the quality of services offered in French. Our community
stands to lose the most in these transfers of jurisdictions to
the Province, as we are caught between a federal government
that is required to protect and promote the growth of both
official languages in Canada, and a provincial government that
does not recognize French as an official language (several
MLAs have made this clear).

We requested and obtained a meeting with the Minister of
Canadian Heritage, the Honourable James Moore, to advise
him of our concerns in this regard. During those very cordial
discussions, the Minister clearly indicated that, although
Canadian Heritage has responsibilities regarding the Official
Languages Act, each department is responsible for its imple-
mentation. The Fédération des communautés francophones
et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) is trying to correct these
implementation processes through a review of the Official
Languages Act: an action that we support and encourage.

Your voice played an important role in trying to stop the
abolition of the long form census, and my regular presence
as a member of the FCFA Board of Directors ensured that it
was heard within that national organization.

Britannique (FFCB) and to present

Despite the general denunciation of that decision by several
civil society organizations, the FCFA and its members were the
only ones to take legal action against the Federal Government,
arguing that the decision contravened the Official Languages
Act; an argument that the Federal Court denied. However, this
challenge to the government drew the media’s attention and
the resulting pressure forced the government to add two
questions regarding official languages to the short form
census. I am very pleased with this small victory.

The FCFA also continued its work on developing its strategic
community plan following its communities’ summit. We are
happy to contribute to the effort of linking our provincial
priorities to those of other Francophone and Acadian
communities in Canada.

The departure of former Premier Gordon Campbell, the
election of Ms. Christy Clark and the swearing in of her
new cabinet opened the door to more favourable changes
for our community. I appreciate Ms. Clark’s quick decision
to re-establish “BC Gaming” funding for arts and culture.

For the first time in ten years, since the launch of
Francophonie Day in 2001, the flag of British Columbia’s
Francophone community was raised in front of the
Legislative Assembly in Victoria. That touching ceremony,
which I attended with Parliamentary Secretary John Les,
Minister Ida Chong and MLAs, Normand Letnik and Marc
Dalton, will stand out in the history of our community.

Following the confirmation of Ms. Christine Sotteau’s position
as Executive Director of the FFCB by the Board of Directors,
she continues to energetically lead our team. I would also
like to thank all employees who support Ms. Sotteau in her
work. As well, I would like to congratulate my colleagues

on the Board of Directors. Their dedication and management
contribution are essential to the well-being of our and your
organization.

In closing, I would like to thank all volunteers and
employees of Francophone organizations. The work you

do and your enthusiasm are part of a long history that
began with the companions of Simon Fraser on his first trip
down the river that bears his name in the early 19th century.
The presence continued with Monsignor Modeste Demers in
Victoria and several other pioneers who ensured a continued
Francophone presence in British Columbia.

oA

Dr Réal Roy
President