Commissariat aux services en français, French Language Services Commissioner

While in certain parts of Ontario bilingualism faces sharp criticism, elsewhere in Canada the cohabitation of the English and French languages is making most interesting strides.

Indeed, this is the case in Winnipeg where negotiations are progressing for the launch of a brand new bilingual World Trade Center.

And here’s another interesting fact: This project — which is spearheaded by ANIM, Manitoba’s Bilingual Trade Agency —, is supported by the Government of Manitoba along with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

With this centre, Winnipeg would become the sixth Canadian member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and the second bilingual one, following Montreal.

Personally, I am thrilled to hear that Winnipeg is working hard to reach this goal!

Every year in Ontario in February, along with Franco-Ontarian Heritage Month, we also celebrate Black History Month — a celebration that is held across Canada and the Unites States.

To find out more, I urge you to visit the Canadian Black History Virtual Museum on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website. This “museum” is specifically tailored to a youth audience, but adults too will learn from this site!

Also online, you may want to view a timely exhibit on the Archives of Ontario website.

Finally, if you live in the Hamilton region, may I also suggest that you take note of the various activities offered by the Centre français de Hamilton and the ACFO Régionale de Hamilton.

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 11, these community organisations will honour Black History Month by hosting a full day of events: These include public conferences and free workshops for youth. And for fans of urban music, in the evening: a hip-hop show featuring Franco-Ontarian performer ZPN — a talented young man who impressed us with his music during the Conference on 25 years of the French Language Services Act, held in November.

On that note, have a wonderful weekend!

In April 2011, the Commissioner’s Office released a publication entitled A study of Ontario’s French-Language Community Radio Stations: Key components of the vitality of francophone communities. Among other findings, this study underscored the dire lack of government support in this area.

My recommendation was that the Government of Ontario conduct an analysis of the state of Ontario’s French-language community radio stations and propose concrete, permanent solutions to meet the specific needs of Francophones.

The government has agreed to act on my recommendation. Indeed, it has mandated the Office of Francophone Affairs and Groupe Média TFO to conduct a study on the media consumption habits of Franco-Ontarians. This study will focus not only on community radio, but also on newspapers, television, Internet and social media usage by Francophones in Ontario.

Sounds promising…

Thus, I’m looking forward to reading this study and eagerly await the government’s follow-up!

Ontario has its share of outstanding champions of the French language. But the story of the late Caroll Jacques, who left us far too early, in November, is a singular one.

Indeed, I have just learned that, at his funeral, the family of the former president of the Kirkland Lake ACFO, distributed specially printed cards with my contact information, urging sympathisers and loved ones to continue to request government services in French!

A clear and touching message.

I would like to congratulate Ontario’s French-language broadcaster GroupeMedia TFO for their 25th anniversary and for the many challenges that it has successfully overcome throughout the years.

Indeed, our French-language educational broadcaster has evolved considerably over the past two decades and more so since 2006 when it achieved full autonomy from TVO (its English-language equivalent).

TFO is no longer simply a television broadcaster. Under the wise leadership of Glenn O’Farrell, it has morphed into a multi-platform educational and cultural content provider. Its high-quality programming can also be viewed via the Web, on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, as well as through several innovative smartphone and tablet apps.

To find out more, I urge you to visit their brand new website, updated just a few days ago.

By providing distinctive quality content for Franco-Ontarians, TFO indeed makes us proud!

Next month, a spotlight will shine on the heritage of the Franco-Ontarian community during the fifth annual edition of Franco-Ontarian Heritage Month presented by the Réseau du patrimoine franco-ontarien (RPFO).

I encourage you to attend at least one of the many activities that will be held across the province. It’s an excellent opportunity to get to know your neighbours, while at the same time, learn about the growth of French-language communities in Ontario with the yearly arrival of newcomers.

Whether you live in Hearst, Mattice Val-Côté, Alexandria, Clarence-Creek, Emburn, Ottawa or Sarnia, take the time to familiarize yourself with the calendar of activities… and have your date book on hand!