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