MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT

The year just drawn to a close has been one of utmost
importance for the Fédération des francophones de la
Colombie-Britannique. Itwas during this period that we
strove to join in the redefinition of the Canadian
federation through active participation in the constitu-
tional debate. Our mandate was to ensure that the
government’s responsibility towards the vitality and
development of our community was entrenched in the
constitution. Although we secured government com-
mitment, constitutional reform was rejected during the
referendum of October 26.

Did this mean that we would accept defeat and put
aside our hopes and dreams? Absolutely not! We had
to goon. We had to ensure that the commitments made
by the provincial and federal governments, by the
political parties and by the communities with which we
live were translated into action. We had
to continue our fight to secure the
governance of our schools and in De-
cember, the Minister of Education in-
formed us that her government intends
to proceed with the creation of a pro-
vincial school board by September 1995.

Never in recent memory has our
community been so visible. Never has
it forged so many alliances. Never have
so many of us identified ourselves as
francophones. Figures from the most
recent census confirm that our num- ~
bers are increasing - from 50,000 in
1986 to 60,000 in 1991. At the same
time, never has our pursuit of excel-
lence been so vital. We face many
challenges, including the control of our own school
board and schools, budget cuts imposed by the various
levels of government, and the federal election scheduled
for 1993. We owe it to those who have gone before us,
to those people who helped build the ports, cities and
towns of this province, who established newspapers,
hospitals, schools, parishes and associations. But even
more importantly, we owe it to those who will come after
us, all those children who attend our daycares and
schools and will attend them in the future. We owe them
that pursuit of excellence because we owe them a future.

Mla bowser

The President, Marie Bourgeots,
Executive Director, Yseult Friolet, unveiling the
new volunteer recognition award at the
“Festival du Bois”

MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The 1992-1993 year began with the theme of “vitality
and development”. This theme was intended to convey
the claims being made by the Fédération des francophones
de la Colombie-Britannique in constitutional issues as
well as to convey the objectives of promoting the
francophone presence throughout the province. De-
spite the Canadian public’s rejection of the Charlottetown
Accord, the government of British Columbia, for the
first time ever, unconditionally endorsed the vitality
and development of the francophone community.

Constitutional reform has also allowed our commu-
nity to make all of this province’s politicians - both
federal and provincial - aware of our goals, and to assert
our presence on the West Coast. This vitality was in
evidence all year long, through cultural, social and
educational activities which took place throughout the
province.

The 1992-1993 year was also known
as the year during which govern-
ment grants began to be cut. How
will we meet this challenge and en-
sure the future of our community
centres and associations? How will
we finance our institutions - schools
or otherwise? Which issues must
take priority in order to ensure the
viability of our community?

In order to answer these questions,
it is important that we examine the
role of the F.F.C.B. and of its part-
ners, and that we establish a clear
and precise social initiative that will
lead us into the year 2000.

During the course of this 48th Annual General
Meeting we will be discussing the “Réseaux 2000”
initiative which will foster the development of partner-
ships with the entire British Columbia community. The
participation of all organizations, and the commitment
of every individual, regardless of personal or partisan
interests, will guarantee a bright future. The Fédération
needs the support and participation of each and every
one of you in order to successfully fulfill its mission.

and

Wishing you a productive Annual General Meeting!

Pasture