Prev INCIAL POLITICS 3

Many Changes

Since the 2009 appointment of Ms. Naomie Yamamoto as Minister of State
for Intergovernmental Relations, the FFCB has been able to develop very
cordial relations with the Government of British Columbia. It has been able
to strengthen its cooperation with the Office of Francophone Affairs in
Victoria and, thanks to their involvement, have advanced certain projects
that are important to our entire community: funding for arts and culture
and securing services for Francophone immigrants and job seekers.

These friendly and respectful relationships continued with the appointment
of the Honourable Margaret MacDiarmid in 2010. Immediately after her
designation, the Minister followed tradition by consulting the Francophone
community as part of the Rendez-vous des présidents et des présidentes (RVPP)
[Meeting of Presidents] in November. The purpose of the meeting was to
prepare for the fourth Canada British Columbia cooperation Agreement

on Official Languages.

In February 2011, following the resignation of Gordon Campbell, the
province changed Premiers and the Honourable Christy Clark assigned
Francophone Affairs to her Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. John Les. The
first contact with Mr. Les was productive and gave us hope for a
constructive cooperation in the future.

Marking the proclamation of Francophonie
Day on March 17, 2011. Left to right: MLA
Marc Dalton, Dr. Réal Roy, Parliamentary
Secretary Mr. John Les, Minister Ida Chong
and MLA Mr. Normand Letnik.

Since 2001, a day in March is dedicated

to the Francophonie. This year, for the

first time, the flag of British Columbia’s
Francophone community was raised in front
of the legislative Assembly in Victoria.

The presidents of Francophone associations
in British Columbia met with the Minister
Responsible for Francophone Affairs, the
Honourable Margaret MacDiarmid, at the
RVPP on November 13, 2010.