A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT Atour lastannual general meeting we focused on encouraging francophones to do what is necessary to secure our place in the future. The 1991-1992 year was therefore to be a time for decision-making. With the failure of the Meech Lake Accord behind us, it was time to discuss the role to be played by the francophone community in what has subsequently been called the renewal of Canada. Francophones have proved that they are equal to the situation. Following public consultations and discussions with various Fédération agencies, we have clarified our position. The needs and aspirations of the community were presented to various federal and provincial committees as well as at constitutional conferences. Many new alliances were forged, allowing francophones to take their rightful place within the societies of British Columbia and Canada. By focusing our energies we have been able to reach some of our goals, one of which is the inclusion of our demands in the Beaudoin- Dobbie Committee report. I believe we can look forward to the francophone presence on the Pacific coast not only surviving, but flourishing. As aresult of choices made by francophones, the governance of our own schools, the delivery of justice services in French, and the implementation of our cultural development policy are well within reach. Furthermore, the development of services at the preschool and post-secondary levels and access to social services in French remain top priorities. The success of our efforts, however, will hinge on our willingness to keep up our momentum and vigilance. The vitality and development of our community depend on it. Wow: Kowseor Marie Bourgeois President Annual Report 1991-1992 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As expected, the issue of constitutional reform has had a considerable impact on the 1991- 1992 year at the Fédération des Franco- Colombiens. As aresult, we have had to make some choices as a community in order to meet the on-going challenge of national unity. It was within this context that representatives at the June 1991 annual general meeting were asked to reflect upon and choose the means by which the francophone community could secure its place in the future. One of these means involved consulting the community about its needs with regard to constitutional demands. We travelled throughout the province, allowing British Columbia francophones to establish a clear position on this issue. Our activities havenot been limited to politics, however. This March, after two years of work, the Fédération des Franco-Colombiens adopted a cultural development policy. Adult education is another area in which development is important for the future of our community. Thanks to joint action and cooperation with Educacentre, a study has been launched to look into this area. Over the 1991-1992 period, we also participated in two Marie Bourgeois, President, and Yseult Friolet, Executive Director, during the public consultation on the Constitution held in Vancouver. La Fédération des Franco-Colombiens OO sl, important anniversaries, 50 years for the Société Francophone de Victoria and 25 years for Le Club Bon Accueil of Powell River. These two events are proof of how well established we are in British Columbia. In order to secure our future, we must pursue the promotion of the francophone presence in British Columbia. To do this we must develop concrete initiatives consistent with the vitality and development provisions demanded by francophone communities outside Quebec. In this regard, the Fédération des Franco- Colombiens has established a program which, in addition to community development, clearly identifies two areas where we must take action in order to fulfill adequately the aspirations of the community - policy and representation and community development. It is in this spirit of vitality and development that we open this 47th annual general meeting. ett seult Friolet Executive Director