Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia

Acknowledgements

Statistical Portrait: Anne Gilbert, Université d’Ottawa/L’ANALYSTE (for the first edition); William Floch and Elias Abou-Rjeili, Official Support Program, Canadian Heritage (3rd edition) Community Life: Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) Coordination : Micheline Doiron (first edition), Robin Cantin, (2nd edition), Serge Quinty (3rd édition) Production support: Christiane Langlois and Micheline Lévesque (3rd edition) Graphic Design : Heart Design Printing : St. Joseph Print Group Inc. ISBN : 978-2-922742-35-0 La Fédération des communautés francophones Legal Deposit – Library and Archives et acadienne du Canada 450 Rideau St., suite 300 This publication was made possible by the financial support of Canadian Heritage and the Secrétariat aux Affaires intergou- Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z4 vernementales canadiennes of the Government of . FCFA Phone: (613) 241-7600 also wishes to acknowledge the in-kind support provided by Public Fax: (613) 241-6046 Works and Government Services Canada. Email: [email protected] Website: www.fcfa.ca

This collection is available online at www.fcfa.ca/profils Foreword

This profile compiles and presents updated information on the Francophone community of British Columbia. It is part of a collection of profiles of Francophone and Acadian communities in Canada published for the first time in 2000 by the Fédération des communautés Francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada and updated in 2004 and 2009. These provincial and territorial profiles are supplemented by a national profile, which describes the overall situation of Canada’s Francophones and examines the status of French in Canada. Following a general introduction to the history and geography of each community, the profile is presented in two sections: • A statistical portrait describing the vitality of French- speaking communities from various points of view (demography, , diversity and economy). • A presentation of community life organized around six themes: major organizations, communications, cultural and community life, education and training, health and social services, legislation and government services. This updated edition adds data from the 2006 Census. A spokesperson for the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique on the occasion of the passage of La Francoforce in British Columbia

Table of contents

History and Geography...... 1 Demographic Vitality...... 2 Francophone Diversity...... 5 Linguistic Vitality...... 7 Economic Vitality...... 9 Community Vitality...... 11 The Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française (ACELF) offers a series of 24 educational activities to accompany The Last Thirty Years...... 20 use of the Profiles of the Francophone and Acadian Communities of Canada in the classroom. These activities are accessible free Sources...... 21 of charge on ACELF’s Banque d’activités pédagogiques (BAP) at www.acelf.ca/bap.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia History

British Columbia’s Francophones have actively participated in Since the beginning of the 2000s, relations with the provincial the development of the province by establishing institutions that government have clearly improved. In 2006, the province signed would later serve as springboards for future societies. for the second time an agreement with the Government of Canada on official languages promotion. Since 2001, the province When Alexander Mackenzie, the first European to cross the appoints an MLA Responsible for Francophone Affairs. Rockies, reached the Pacific in 1793, he was accompanied by six French Canadian voyageurs. A few years later, more than 20 traveled with Simon Fraser on the series of voyages that would lead to the construction of several forts in the region for the Northwest Company. By 1812, more than 300 French Canadians were engaged in the fur trade and farming. Geography They were the first settlers of British Columbia. Along with the Church, they built a host society for those who would later settle In 2006, British Columbia’s Francophone community included in the area. 70,410 people with French as their first spoken official language. These Francophones represent 1.7 percent of the total population Following the Gold Rush and the massive influx of immigrants of the province. at the end of the 19th century, Francophones quickly found themselves in the minority. Isolated from one another, they Francophones are found in every part of British Columbia. By did not form communities until the arrival in 1909 of Quebec far the greatest number are concentrated in the Vancouver Census families recruited by the owners of Fraser Mills. A community Metropolitan Area (54 percent of British Columbia’s Francophones). of Francophone workers took root along the banks of the Fraser Over 38,000 of them are spread across the various municipalities River east of Vancouver, and founded the first French-language that make up the metropolitan area, including Vancouver, Surrey, parish in British Columbia. Known as Notre Dame de Lourdes, the Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and parish grew and the community took on the name Maillardville. (which includes Maillardville). Another concentration is found The French-speaking population of Maillardville expanded, fed to in the different communities of the Greater Victoria area, where a large extent by a stream of migration from Willow Bunch in 6,445 residents have French as their first spoken official language Saskatchewan. The establishment of military training centres – accounting for 9 percent of the province’s Francophones. The on the west coast during the war attracted large numbers of remaining Francophones in the province are spread throughout Francophone recruits, many of whom settled permanently in the other divisions. There are cultural centres in Kelowna, Prince British Columbia, thus contributing to the vitality of French in George, Nanaimo, Powell River, Kamloops, Comox, Campbell the province. River, Kootenay Ouest and Kitimat. The urban area of Abbotsford also attracts many Francophones and accounts for 3 percent of the However, assimilation pressures rapidly made themselves felt. French-speaking population of the province. British Columbia’s Francophones had to fight hard and long for education in French: the Fédération canadienne-française de Colombie- Nowhere in British Columbia do Francophones constitute a Britannique (FCFCB) — now renamed the Fédération des Fran­ significant percentage of the population. They represent only a cophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) — was created in very small minority in the Vancouver and Victoria metropolitan 1945 in a context of struggle for the survival of French in an areas – respectively 1.8 and 2 percent. Their numbers are just as environment that was extremely hostile to education in French. small in other localities; in the part of Coquitlam where the old It was not until 1969 that the provincial government accepted village of Maillardville was located, they now account for only the testing of a French immersion program in a public school. 2.3 percent of the population. The city of Surrey has the highest Francophones have had access to a French education program concentration of Francophones (5,365). since 1977. The School Act was amended in July 1997 in response to the Vickers decision handed down in August 1996. The provincial government announced in April 1998 that the French-language school board would have jurisdiction through­- out the province as of July 1, 1999.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 1 Demographic Vitality

Population by Mother Tongue, 2006, British Columbia The Non-official languages French The population of British Columbia is fairly diverse in terms 27.57% 1.53% of language. English is the mother tongue of 71 percent of the 4,074,380 inhabitants of the province, compared to 1.5 percent for French. Another 27.6 percent have a non-official mother tongue, a percentage which is increasing each year: in 2001, this group accounted for only 24.3 percent of the population.

French...... 63,295 English...... 2,926,265 English 70.9% Non-official languages...... 1,137,945 Total population...... 4,074,380

Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census Note: Some people declared having more than one mother tongue. As a result, the total of the categories exceeds provincial population.

Population by First Official Language Spoken, 2006, British Columbia British Columbia’s Francophone community also includes a good Neither English nor French French number of people that do not have French as their mother tongue 2.95% 1.72% but use it in everyday life; in fact, 70,410 people have French as their first spoken official language.

French...... 70,410 English...... 3,900,565 Neither English nor French...... 120,755

English 95.33%

Data from: : Statistique Canada, recensement 2006 Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census Note: Some people have more than one first official language spoken. As a result, the total of the categories exceeds provincial population.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 2 An increase in numbers… The number of people with French as their mother tongue went up from 43,415 in 1981 to 63,295 in 2006, an increase of nearly 50 percent in 25 years. This increase came on the heels of the strong growth of the Francophone population during the 1960s due to a strong economy. For almost 50 years, Francophones from all over Canada have been drawn to British Columbia where they have formed an extensive network of institutions, both in major centres and in small towns. Moreover, for the past few years French-speaking immi- grants from other Francophone countries have contributed significantly to the growth of the province’s Francophone population.

French as Mother Tongue and French as First Official Language Spoken, 1951-2006, British Columbia … and a relatively stable Mother Tongue First Official Language Spoken* proportion Francophones account for 1.7 percent 80,000 of the population, which is the same 70,000 percentage as in 1991. Their proportion of the total population thus remained 60,000 essentially the same despite a 5,5 percent 50,000 increase, in the last five years, in people 40,000 with French as their first spoken official language. Number 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 1996 2001 2006 Year Data from: Marmen and Corbeil, 2006, and Statistics Canada *The first official language spoken variable did not exist prior to 1991

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 3 A mostly adult population Age Distribution, 2006, Francophones, British Columbia The median age of British Columbia’s Francophone community is 48, eight years more than the median 65+ for the population of the province as a whole. The Francophone population is largely made up of 50-64 adults (84 percent). Francophones under 20 account 35-49 for only 16 percent of the community’s population. Age British Columbia’s Francophone community is not 20-34 replenishing its numbers at the same rate as other populations in the province. A larger percentage of 10-19 Francophones are, however, of working age and able to actively participate in the economic life of the province. 0-9 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 Number Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 4 Francophone Diversity

Place of Birth, 2006, Francophones, British Columbia A variety of roots Non permanent residents Only one Francophone in eight was born in British Columbia. 1.60% Most were born elsewhere in Canada and make up the majority British Columbia of the community (57 percent). Twenty-nine percent were born Outside Canada 12.49% 29.29% outside Canada. British Columbia’s Francophone community is thus very culturally diverse and has roots all across the country; for this reason, it has developed close ties with Francophone communities in other provinces and territories. This cultural diversity is due in part to the significant increase in the number of Francophones from other countries. In 2001, this Other province group represented only 14 percent of the Francophone community 56.63% – it has increased by more than 100 percent in the last five years. It should also be noted that over 2,600 British Columbians with French as their first spoken official language declared they are of aboriginal identity. Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

A Francophonie Francophone Immigrants, 2006, British Columbia that is more diverse Statistics show that 15.1 percent of the Americas French-speaking immigrants who chose one of Canada’s Francophone and Europe Acadian communities as their place of residence actually settled in British Columbia. Africa People of European and Asian origin are particularly well-represented within this Asia and Middle East group. Most Asian immigrants come from Southeastern Asia, which is not surprising Oceania and others in a province which faces the Pacific Ocean. 02,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 The large number of immigrants joining Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census the Francophone community in British Note: These are people who have been granted immigrant status in Canada, whose Columbia is both a challenge and an first known official language is French. opportunity for the community. This challenge is especially obvious in the French-language schools and for the associations that offer products and services to this population group.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 5 Representatives of British Columbia’s Francophone community during a promotion mission to Europe, 2007.

A recent phenomenon Francophone Immigrants by Immigration Period, British Columbia Francophone immigration in the province is a fairly recent phenomenon. Over 1991-1995 39 percent of all French-speaking immigrants settled after 1996 ; many of them are of Asian origin, reinforcing 1996-2000 the already significant presence of these Francophones within the community. 2001-2006

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Challenges that are being addressed British Columbia’s Francophone community has developed several initiatives to encourage and support immigration in the province. For example, the website www.vivreencolombiebritannique.ca is designed specifically for French-speaking immigrants in British Columbia and those interested in settling in the province. Since the fall of 2008, Vancouver also offers the services of the Agence Francophone pour l’accueil des immigrants (AFAI). Its goal is to help immigrants gain access to French- language services and programs.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 6 Linguistic Vitality

More French spoken French Spoken at Home, 1971-2006, British Columbia at home... 40,000 In 2006, 19,980 British Columbians said they spoke French most often at home, 35,000 Most often 2,325 more than in 2001. A total of 37,110 more said they used this lan- 30,000 guage regularly at home; this number Regularly* includes 17,155 people with English as 25,000 their mother tongue and close to 6,000 with neither French nor English as 20,000 their mother tongue. Number The popularity of French at home has 15,000 increased significantly over the years. In 1971, British Columbians who said 10,000 they spoke French most often at home numbered 11,505. 5,000 This increase is a reflection of the great vitality of French in the province, espe- 0 1971 1981 1991 1996 2001 2006 cially since these numbers do not include Year all the Francophones who speak English Data from: Marmen and Corbeil, 2006, and Statistics Canada at home but are still able to speak French and often do so in other situations outside *Statistics Canada started collecting data on other the home. languages spoken regularly at home in 2001

Every year, students from the French program and immersion schools participate in the Concours d’art oratoire organized by Canadian Parents for French.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 7 Knowledge of French, 1951-2006, British Columbia …And more and more 7.3% people know French 300,000 7.0% In 2006, 297,715 people in British 6.7% 250,000 Columbia could speak French, repre- 6.4% senting 7 percent of the population. 200,000 Even in a province where most im­ 5.7% migrants come from Asian countries, 150,000 French is the most common language

Number 4.7% after English, followed with Pendjabi 100,000 (over 184,000 speakers) and the most 3.7% common Chinese language, 3.5% 50,000 (157,180 speakers). The success of the French language in 0 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 1996 2001 2006 this province has a lot to do with the Year popular French immersion system. Data from: Marmen and Corbeil, 2006, and Statistics Canada

Use of French at Work, 2006, Active Population with Knowledge French moderately of French, British Columbia used at work Language most often used In 2006, 35,580 British Columbians used 5.0% French most often or at least regularly at work, a number which accounts for Language used regularly nearly 20 percent of the active population 14.7% with knowledge of French. It should be noted however that less than 2 percent of the total active population uses French at work.

French not used at work 80.3%

Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 8 Economic Vitality

An educated Francophone population Education, 2006, Francophones Aged 15 and Older, British Columbia Education is the key to the economic vitality of British Columbia’s Francophone community. A large number of the High school province’s Francophones have a postsecondary education: over or less 14,300 of them have attended college and 25.3 percent have some university-level education, much higher than the provincial Trades average of 19.5 percent. Generally, the number of British Columbian Francophones with College a postsecondary education compares favourably to the national average. University

05,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Labour Force by Sector of Activity, 2006, The employment sectors of Francophones, British Columbia British Columbia’s Francophones N % Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 1,185 2.9% Francophones in the province work in a wide variety of jobs. Though not very active in the primary sector, they have a Mining and oil and gas extraction 380 0.9% significant presence in education (11.1 percent), wholesale Utilities 175 0.4% and retail trade (11.1 percent) and health care (8.7 percent). Construction 3,125 7.7% Manufacturing 2,995 7.4% In British Columbia today, 6,290 Francophones own a business or are self-employed. They account for 15.5 percent of the Wholesale Trade 1,305 3.2% Francophone labour force. Many of these business owners Retail Trade 3,210 7.9% employ other people, thus providing employment to Franco­ Transportation 1,900 4.7% phones and other residents of the province. Information Industry 1,150 2.8% Finance and Insurance 1,235 3.0% Real Estate 810 2.0% Professional Services 3,250 8.0% Management of Companies 35 0.1% Administrative Services 2,150 5.3% Education Services 4,510 11.1% Health Care 3,520 8.7% Arts 880 2.2% Accommodation 3,180 7.8% Other services 1,820 4.5% Public Administration 3,115 7.7% All sectors 39,930 100.0%

Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 9 Occupations Labour Force by Occupation, 2006, Francophones, British Columbia Any profile of the economic vitality of Number % British Columbia’s Francophone com- Management 4,625 11.6% munity would be incomplete without Finance, business and administration 6,320 15.8% an over­view of their occupations. Natural and applied sciences 3,240 8.1% There areas clearly stand out: sales and Health 2,020 5.1% services which employ one out of four Social sciences, education and government services 4,635 11.6% Francophones; trades, transportation Arts and culture 1,670 4.2% and equipment (13.7 percent of the Sales and services 9,475 23.7% labour force); and finance, business and administration (15.8 percent). Trades, transportation and equipment operation 5,455 13.7% Primary industry occupations 1,535 3.8% Manufacturing industries occupations 945 2.4% All occupations 39,920 100.0 % Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Total Individual Income, 2006, Francophones, British Columbia Income The average individual income of British Columbia’s Francophones is $34,993, which is almost identical to the provincial average. More than one out of two Francophones has an annual income lower than $20,000. One out of four has an income lower than Income $10,000 or no income at all.

03,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 Number Data from: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

The French-speaking economy, 10 years after a major shift

In 1998, the Francophone economic sector underwent a major Other than those two organizations, there is a bilingual financial shift with the establishment of the Société de développement économ- institution in Maillardville, Vancity, as well as three French- ique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB). As a result of the initia- language housing cooperatives. tives implemented by this organization, there is now a French- L’Annuaire des services en français is an important tool that lists speaking business network throughout the province as well as Francophone businesses and professionals in Vancouver and a tourism corridor. SDECB offers several services to business other regions of the province. This document is published every people, including the development of business plans and year and currently lists over 350 advertisers from the business, training. It also offers a brochure and a website on tourism government, institutional and associative sectors. It is available “en français” in British Columbia. through FFCB, on its website and through other Francophone The Chambre de commerce franco-colombienne de Vancouver, established associations. in 1988, offers many activities to facilitate networking between business people, including business breakfasts and lunch-hour conferences.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 10 Social and Community Vitality

Major organizations The Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) is the organization that represents the interests of the Fran­co­ phone community in British Columbia. FFCB is dedicated to the advancement of an inclusive and welcoming Francophone community. Its goals include broadening the French-speaking environment in the province and strenghtening British Columbia’s French-speaking civil society. FFCB includes some 40 member associations in the fields of culture, economy, education, justice, communications, social services and community development.

Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) 1575 West 7th Avenue , Maillardville Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (604) 732-1420 Fax: (604) 732-3236 Association des Francophones et francophiles E-mail: [email protected] du Nord-Ouest Website : www.ffcb.ca 307-450 City Center P.O. Box 262 Kitimat BC V8C 2G8 Other organizations Phone: (250) 632-6542 Fax: (250) 632-6532 Alliance française de Vancouver E-mail: [email protected] 6161 Cambie St. Website: www.affno-cb.ca Vancouver BC V5Z 3B2 Phone: (604) 327-0201 Association Francophone de la Vallée de Comox Fax: (604) 327-1144 2435 Mansfield Rd. E-mail: [email protected] Courtenay BC V9N 2M2 Website: www.alliancefrancaise.ca Phone: (250) 334-8884 Fax: (250) 334-8203 Association provinciale des professeurs E-mail: [email protected] d’immersion et du programme Francophone (APPIPC) Website: www.afvc.ca 24-2495 Davies Ave. Port Coquitlam BC V3C 0B2 Association Francophone de Kamloops 348 Fortune Dr. Phone: (604) 936-0491 Kamloops BC V2B 2J1 Fax: (604) 936-6129 Phone: (250) 376-6060 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (250) 376-6166 Website: bctf.ca/PSAs/appipc/ E-mail: [email protected] Association Francophone de Campbell River Website: www.francokamloops.org 891 13th Avenue Campbell River BC V9W 4G9 Phone: (250) 287-2951 Fax: (250) 287-2959 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.afcr.bc.ca

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 11 Association Francophone de Surrey Centre d’intégration pour immigrants africains 191-6887 132nd Street 640 Clarkson St. Surrey BC V3W 4L9 New Westminster BC V3M 1C8 Phone: (604) 597-1590 Phone: (604) 759-0240 Fax: (604)648-9938 Fax: (604) 759-9202 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.afsurrey.org Website: www.ciia-ciai.com Association des Francophones de Kootenays Ouest Cercle des Canadiens-Français de Prince George P.O. Box 210, 723 Ward St. 1752 Fir St. Nelson BC V1L 5P9 Prince George BC V2L 1E7 Phone: (250) 352-3516 Phone: (250) 561-2565 Fax: (250) 352-3586 Fax: (250) 561-7319 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.afko.ca Website: www.franconord.bc.ca Association des Francophones de Nanaimo Centre culturel français de l’Okanagan 30-1925 Bowen St. 702 Bernard Ave. Nanaimo BC V9S 1H1 Kelowna BC V1Y 6P5 Phone: (250) 729-2776 Phone: (250) 860-4074 Fax: (250) 729-2777 Fax: (250) 861-4013 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.Francophonenanaimo.org Website: www.leccfo.org Association historique Francophone de Victoria Centre culturel Francophone de Vancouver 404-2065 Oak Bay Ave. 1551 West 7th Avenue Victoria BC V8R 1E6 Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (250) 598-3862 Phone: (604) 736-9806 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (604) 736-4661 E-mail: [email protected] Association des juristes d’expression française de la C.-B. Website: www.lecentreculturel.com 227B-1555 West 7th Avenue Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Chambre de commerce franco-colombienne de Vancouver Phone: (604) 629-1217 1555 West 7th Avenue, suite 227 Fax: (604) 629-1240 Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (604) 730-0790 Website: www.ajefcb.ca Fax: (604) 732-3516 E-mail: [email protected] La Boussole 612 East Broadway Ave Club Bon Accueil de Powell River Vancouver BC V5T 1X6 5110 Manson Ave Phone: (604) 683-7337 Powell River BC V8A 3P1 Fax: (604) 684-1565 Phone: (604) 483-3966 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (604) 483-3966 Website: www.lbv.ca E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clubbonaccueil.com Canadian Parents for French (British Columbia and Yukon branch) 623-400 Granville St. Vancouver BC V3C 1T2 Phone: (778) 329-9115 Fax: (778) 329-9118 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cpf.bc.ca

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 12 In the regions, Francophone associations offer various activities. In the Okanagan region, there are for example, meetings with local artists.

Conseil culturel et artistique Francophone de la Fondation André Piolat Colombie-Britannique 1575 West 7th Avenue 229-1555 West 7th Avenue Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (604) 263-5639 Phone: (604) 732-5562 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (604) 732-5962 E-mail: [email protected] Fondation canadienne-française d’aide culturelle Website: www.ccafcb.com 207-3051Shelbourne St. Conseil jeunesse Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique Victoria BC V8R 6T2 1551-B West 7th Avenue Phone: (250) 595-0953 Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (604) 736-6970 Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique Fax: (604) 732-3236 302-1037 West Broadway St. E-mail: [email protected] Vancouver BC V6H 1E3 Website: www.cjfcb.com Phone: (604) 736-6912 Collège Éducacentre Fax: (604) 736-6975 896 West 8th Avenue E-mail: [email protected] Vancouver BC V5Z 1E2 Website: www3.telus.net/ReseauFemmes Phone: (604) 708-5100 Fax: (604) 708-5124 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.educacentre.com Fédération des parents Francophones de Colombie-Britannique 223-1555 West 7th Avenue Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (604) 736-5056 Fax: (604) 736-1259 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fpfcb.bc.ca

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 13 Scouts Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique Société radio communautaire Victoria (CILS-FM 107.9) Place Maillardville 200-535 Yates St. 1200 Cartier St. Victoria BC V8W 2Z6 Coquitlam BC V3K 2C3 Phone: (250) 220-4139 Phone: (604) 684-7268 Fax: (250) 388-6280 Fax: (604) 876-6589 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cilsfm.ca Website: www.scoutsfranco.com Syndicat des enseignantes et enseignants Société de développement économique de la Colombie- du programme Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique Britannique 202-5786 Glover Road 220-1555 West 7th Avenue Langley BC V3A 4H9 Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Phone: (604) 532-1378 Phone: (604) 732-3534 Fax: (604)532-1368 Fax: (604) 732-3516 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bctf.ca/sepf Website: www.sdecb.com Théâtre la Seizième Société Francophone de Victoria 226-1555 West 7th Avenue 200-535 Yates St. Vancouver BC V6J 1S1 Victoria BC V8W 2Z6 Phone: (604) 736-2616 Phone: (250) 388-7350 Fax: (604) 736-9151 Fax: (250) 388-6280 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.seizieme.ca Website: www.francocentre.com Troupe de danse « Les Cornouillers » Société d’habitation La Vérendrye 200-535 Yates St. Vancouver BC Victoria BC V8W 2Z6 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Société Francophone de Maillardville Vision Ouest Productions 942B Brunette Ave. 1435 Granville St. Coquitlam BC V3K 1C9 Vancouver BC V6Z 1N1 Phone: (604) 515-7070 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (604) 515-8080 Website: www.rendez-vousvancouver.com E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.maillardville.com Société Inform’Elles 302-1037 West Broadway St. Vancouver BC V8W 2Z6 Phone: (604) 736-6912 Fax: (604) 736-6975 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.informelles.org

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 14 Communications Newspapers and magazines Local radio L’Express du Pacifique, published by Société de l’Express du Pacifique, French-language radio broadcasts by the Société Radio-Canada is a bimonthly newspaper created in 1998, just after the closing (SRC) originating in Vancouver and Montreal. of Le Soleil de Colombie (which had been publishing since 1968). The Société radio communautaire Victoria is the first French-language It is the only all-French newspaper in the province, and now community radio in British Columbia. It develops and produces has an online edition. French programs in Victoria, in the studios of CILS-FM 107.9. The Community Digest is a bilingual (French-English) multicultural It started broadcasting in the Greater Metropolitan Victoria in magazine published every week. It promotes cultural exchanges, November 2007 bilingualism and social harmony. There is also a French-Language program broadcast by the La Data from: is a bimonthly bilingual (French-English) newspaper University of Vancouver’s campus radio station. which started publication in June 1999. It is intended as a forum on diversity in the sense that it covers British Columbia’s cultural communities. There is an online edition of this newspaper. Local television The local Société Radio-Canada in Vancouver produces a regional news program. Other programs by the SRC are produced in Montreal. Other French-language channels are available by cable and satellite, including TV5, RDI, TVA, Artv, Canal D, Canal Évasion, Canal Z, Historia, RDS and Série +.

Since 2006, the Francophone community has been working with the Organizing committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to make this event a success.The mascots have made a few appearances in French-Language schools.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 15 Cultural and community life Francophones are served by a dynamic associative network that The Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’érable de Nanaimo holds provides a meeting place for all forms of expression of the Franc­- festivities on the theme of the sugar bush. It is now one of ophone culture. The Conseil culturel et artistique Francophone de la the prominent events on Vancouver Island; Colombie-Britannique provides a voice for individuals and organiza- The Festival Francophone de Victoria brings together Francophones tions working in fields related to arts and culture. and Francophiles from the provincial capital region every March There are Francophone associations in almost every region, with to enjoy numerous musical and film-related activities as well as a variety of mandates (provincial, regional, community, various discussions in French; sectors). They organize festivals, theatre events, community soirées, The Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois takes place in February and sports or educational activities, etc. March and showcases a wide variety of French-language films; Several communities have access to community centre The Jeux Francophones in May attract hundreds of young British services: Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Comox, Campbell Columbians who wish to take part in sports, cultural and River, Kamloops, Maillardville, Powell River, Prince George, educational activities in an atmosphere of fun and friendship; Nanaimo, Kootenay-Ouest, Surrey and Kitimat. Pacifique en chanson, an annual event which takes place during spring and gives Francophone singer/songwriters and singers Various activities in British Columbia include: an opportunity to show their talents. The winners go on to Chant’Ouest, a contest bringing together the Western provinces Theatre productions by the Théâtre la Seizième, the only French- and the North; language professional theatre group; The Parlement jeunesse Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, held The Festival du bois de Maillardville, held in March, a celebration of in February, has become a major forum for the province’s French-Canadian traditions; Francophone youth to deliberate and develop; The Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver, the Coup de Coeur franco- Every fall, CILS-FM holds a radiothon in Victoria, which brings phone de Vancouver and the Concerts Nouvelle Scène are major cele­ together volunteers, members and listeners from the Capital brations of music; region. A traditional dance group, Les Cornouillers, and two choirs, Les Échos du Pacifique and Les Voix de l’Île, recreate the atmosphere of French-Canadian soirées; In 2009, Juste pour rire will be offered in Vanvouver;

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 16 Education and training Since the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, the Francophone community, with the Fédération des parents Francophones de Colombie-Britannique in the lead, has fought a hard battle to force the Government of British Columbia to comply to Article 23 of the Charter. Their years of perseverance paid off in 1997 when the Supreme Court of British Columbia ordered provincial legislators to amend the School Act to recognize the special rights contained in Article 23. Thus, British Columbia now has a French-language school board which has jurisdiction throughout the entire province. Today, there are over 4,200 Francophone students in the French-language schools. The development of French-language school has accelerated since the arrival of the Conseil scolaire Francophone. There are more than 40 programs and 28 schools – including 22 homogeneous schools (only French is taught). Over 78 communities are served by French-language education programs. In the past few years, the Conseil scolaire Francophone has been among the few school boards in the province that have seen their number of students Youth from the Francophone and immersion programs have the opportunity to increase. There is also a virtual school serving more than participate in joint camps. 175 students. Every French-language elementary school also offers full-time At the postsecondary level, Simon Fraser University has set up kindergarten since 1999. Other than the 30 existing kinder- an Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs in 2004. This garten classes, there are currently 36 French-language pre- office offers a degree in Public Administration and Community school/daycares throughout the province. Many of these Services as well as programs in education, namely a Masters in services are offered within the schools themselves. Education and a Ph.D. in educational leadership. The University of British Columbia (UBC) and some colleges (Douglas College, University College of the Fraser Valley and the University of Victoria also offer education in French, especially in literature, history and languages. Éducacentre, the only French-language college in British Columbia, is recognized for minority-language education, distance learning and adult education. Éducacentre has four campuses across the province (Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and Nanaimo) as well as a virtual campus. The college welcomes 1,500 students every year.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 17 Health and social services RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique was established by the Fédération des Health Centre, part of Vancouver Coastal Health; resources Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) in 2003 and opened and activities to promote health in French on Vancouver Island; a permanent office during the summer of 2004. This provincial resources offered by the Provincial Health Services Authority French-language health network brings together health profes- through its Provincial Language Service, aiming to provide sionals and administrators as well as representatives from insti­- information on health care in French, translation, as well as tutions that offer health training, the governments and the fran­c­- orientation towards French-language health services (these ophone community, so they can work together to make health are coordinated by a French-language programs and services services and programs more accessible in French. RésoSanté coordinator). Colombie-Britannique is one of the 17 member networks in the The Collège Éducacentre offers French-language health care Société Santé en français, whose president is currently Dr. Brian training programs in partnership with the Consortium national de Conway, a British Columbian who is still active in the provincial formation en santé (CNFS) and its member institutions: These network. three programs are Resident Care Attendant, Autism and Every year, RésoSanté compiles a directory of French-speaking Behavioural Science and Palliative Care. professionals, which is published as an insert in FFCB’s French- The Centre communautaire La Boussole works with individuals and language services directory. It is also available online on the families in need in Vancouver and now employs a social worker, network’s website. a street worker and a social intervention professional, all of them Many other French-language health initiatives were implemented Francophones. They face, however, a work overload and often with the network’s support, including the production and distri-­ have to deal with the impossibility to refer their clients to bution of over 14,000 copies of the Guide-santé Colombie-Britannique, French-language counseling or psychiatric services. the French-language component of a program developed by the There is a helpline providing aid, a friendly ear and orientation provincial Department of Health; French-language designated for Francophone women in the province living through difficult services at the Pender Community situations. La Société Inform’Elles also offers support services.

The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique and RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique worked together on an initiative called “Mes choix, ma santé”

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 18 In 2007, Sam Sullivan proclaimed June 19 as Francophone Day in Vancouver.

Government legislation and services Federal government Legal services All federal laws and regulations must be available in both In the field of criminal law, Francophones in the province have official languages. The public has the right to communicate the right under the provisions of the Criminal Code to undergo and receive services in French in offices that are designated a trial and a preliminary hearing in French. bilingual. According to data from the Public Service Agency, Trials before judge and jury take place at the New Westminster 3.3 percent of the 16,061 federal public service positions in Courthouse, and all defendants from all regions who request this British Columbia are designated bilingual. type of trial must travel to this location. The availability of a jury able to speak French is a precondition for these trials. Provincial government In civil matters, an individual may choose the language and There is currently no obligation for the Government of British procedures if the trial takes place before a federal tribunal. Columbia to offer French-language services. However, a govern- Before a provincial tribunal, however, services are offered in ment office is responsible for Francophone Affairs, following a English only. framework agreement signed with the federal government in A list of French-speaking people working in the legal and judicial 2001 to promote official languages and strengthen the Franc­ sector is available on the website of the Association des juristes ophone community. The same year, the Premier appointed d’expression française de la Colombie-Britannique. This association an MLA responsible for Francophone Affairs. Since then, established in 2000 promotes French in the field of justice and the framework agreement has been renewed and partnerships supports the professional development of French-speaking jurists. have been made possible in several fields including health, social affairs, justice, child care and tourism.

Municipalities With the exception of the city of Coquitlam, no municipal services are offered in French. However, municipalities are cooperating more and more with Francophone associations.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 19 The Last 30 Years

1980 The Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique 1980(FFCB) - then known as the Fédération des Franco- Colombiens (FFC) – and a group of parents create the Association des parents Francophones, nowadays the Fédération des parents Francophones de Colombie-Britannique.

1990 On January 1, access is given to trials in French in 1990criminal cases before provincial jurisdiction courts.

1996 In March, the Francophone community takes charge 1996of its destiny by signing the first Canada-Community Framework Agreement with the Department of Canadian Heritage. 2004 A French-language education program is set up at 2004Simon Fraser University. 1997 In June, the Department of Education tables Bill 45, 1997an Act Amending the British Columbia School Act that officially creates the Francophone School Board. 2006 A cooperation agreement is signed by the Vancouver 2006Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Foundation 1998 The Société de développement économique de la Colombie- for Cross-Cultural Dialogue and the Fédération des 1998Britannique is established. Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique. This agreement aims to ensure full participation of British Columbia’s Francophones in the activities leading up to 2010 and 2000 L’Association des juristes d’expression française is created. to help VANOC meet its needs in terms of official 2000This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting languages and carrying out the preparation of the French in the administration of justice. Games.

2001 For the first time in British Columbia’s history, the 2007 The Société radio-communautaire de Victoria, the first 2001provin­cial and federal governments sign an agreement 2007French-language community radio, enters the airwaves. on the promotion of official languages. The government appoints a Francophone Affairs representative. 2008 Establishment of the Agence Francophone pour l’accueil des 2008immigrants, a project led by FFCB in cooperation with 2003 Founding of RésoSanté, which brings together key players a consortium. The goal of the Agence is to support the 2003in the health sector. Its mandate is to support the settlement and integration of Francophone newcomers. development, integrated accessibility, and sustainability of French language health services in British Columbia. 2009 The Francophone community develops a new visual 2009image to increase its visibility toward the population as a whole

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 20 Sources For the first and second editions of this document, published 5. Data on French-speaking immigrants by period of immigra- respectively in 2000 and 2004, the brief historical notes on the tion, on the place of birth of Francophones and on the place Francophone and Acadian communities of Canada are mostly of origin of French-speaking newcomers were compiled using taken from historical recollections on the Francophone experi- the table Selected Demographic, Cultural, Educational, Labour Force ence in the provinces and territories compiled by the National and Income Characteristics (780), First Official Language Spoken (4), Committee for Canadian Francophonie Human Resources Age Groups (8A) and Sex (3) for Population, Cat. No. 97-555- Development. Philippe Falardeau’s review, entitled Hier la X2006054 at Statistics Canada. francophonie and published by FCFA as part of its Dessein 2000 6. Data on the evolution of British Columbia’s linguistic project, and Yves Frenette’s La brève histoire des Canadiens français composition from 1951 to 2001 (mother tongue, language published by Éditions Boréal, were also sources of inspiration. spoken at home, first official language spoken, etc.) were Finally, several texts compiled by Joseph Yvon Thériault in taken from New Canadian Perspectives: Languages in Canada, Francophonies minoritaires au Canada – L’état des lieux, published by 2001 Census, by Louise Marmen and Jean-Pierre Corbeil. Éditions de l’Acadie, were also useful, as was the study by René Guindon and Pierre Poulin, entitled Les liens dans la francophonie It should be noted that when calculating data on mother tongue, canadienne. language spoken at home or first official language spoken, whether one includes multiple answers (for example, Francophones who For the third edition, the texts featured in the sections on history have also indicated English as their mother tongue) can account and geography were updated by FCFA and its members to take for a variation in numbers. Marmen and Corbeil apportion into account significant developments in the past few years and multiple answers among the declared languages. However, the new data from the 2006 Census. data presented by FCFA for 2006 include everyone with French All of the statistics used in the preparation of this national profile as mother tongue/first official language spoken/language spoken are those of Statistics Canada. The following sources were used: at home, even if other languages arementioned. 1. The national, provincial and territorial data on mother tongue, Information on community life, on structures that exist to first official language spoken, language spoken at home, know­- facilitate Francophone immigration and on economic vitality ledge of French, use of French at work, median age, labour were compiled by FCFA with the help of the Fédération des force by sector of activity and by occupation, as well as income, Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique and its members. were provided to FCFA in preformatted tables by the statistical research team at the Official Languages Support Program (Department of Canadian Heritage). 2. All regional data on the first official language spoken and the age distribution of Francophones were compiled using the table First Official Language Spoken (7), Mother Tongue (10), Age Groups (17A) and Sex (3) for the Population, Cat. No. 97-555- X2006030 at Statistics Canada. 3. Data on the number of British Columbians with English as a mother tongue speaking French regularly at home were compiled using the table Detailed Language Spoken Most Often at Home (186), Other Language Spoken Regularly at Home (9), Mother Tongue (8), Age Groups (17A) and Sex (3) for the Population, Cat. No. 97-555-X2006045 at Statistics Canada. 4. Data on the other languages most commonly spoken in British Columbia were compiled using the table Various languages spoken (147) Age Groups (17A) and Sex (3) for the Population, Cat. No. 97-555-X006010 at Statistics Canada.

Francophone Community Profile of British Columbia • 21