I will talk about two major issues. I will say a few words about our association, the ACFA, and then I will speak about the measures that are needed for the vitality of the Alberta francophone community.
Since 1926, the ACFA has been an institution that speaks on behalf of and defends all of the interests of the francophone community. Our organization is a leader in the development of our community. Regarding its democratic structure and consultative model, the ACFA represents the general interests of over 60 community organizations that work to develop the francophone community in Alberta.
The ACFA channels the efforts of organizations, institutions, agencies and governments—in cooperation with the latter—to achieve four major objectives of the community's comprehensive development plan. The ACFA works in very close cooperation with its institutional and organizational partners, especially with such leaders as the Regroupement artistique francophone de l'Alberta, the RAFA, in the arts and culture sector; the Conseil de développement économique de l'Alberta, in the economic network; the Réseau santé albertain, which you were introduced to earlier; and the Fédération du sport francophone de l'Alberta, the FSFA, in the sports and recreation sector. We also cooperate regularly and closely with the Campus Saint-Jean, in the post-secondary education sector, as well as with five francophone school boards in Alberta. That is a brief overview of the francophonie, or the ACFA.
With regard to the measures to be taken for the vitality of our communities, we believe cooperation is essential between the Office of the Official Languages Commissioner, the Ministerial Council of Francophone Affairs, Canadian Heritage, the Council of Senior Federal Officials and minority official language communities, to develop vitality indicators. With a common definition of the indicators of community vitality, all stakeholders could work on the comprehensive development plans, policies and government programs as well as other partnership and funding mechanisms to achieve shared goals.
The other major issue has to do with establishing measures for the development of minority official language communities in all the federal and provincial agreements that are signed and negotiated. In my view, that is an essential and crucial element for the survival and the vitality of the francophonie. We can look at a number of examples of agreements dealing with education, immigration and early childhood as excellent means to ensure the delivery of services in French.
In Alberta, some measures have helped establish action plans, relationships with provincial public servants and ties to Albertan society. This could not have been done so easily if it had not been mandated. Today's most significant and pressing needs are in infrastructure and health. In fact, if the federal government insists on accommodating the francophonie, provincial government officials, by interpreting the will of the provincial government, will respect the agreements. Without that, it would be impossible to make ourselves heard.
Another key issue is respecting communities that want to take charge of their own development. The ACFA believes that the new Official Languages Act is a means to respect communities. I am referring to changes to the act brought about by Bill S-3.
Without getting into too many details, the ACFA finds that the federal government's duty to take positive measures for the development of minority official language communities will translate into concrete, affirmative, reasoned and practical steps to protect and maintain their rights. In other words, the federal government is bound to prepare its policies together with the communities, while respecting their needs and priorities.
In conclusion, Alberta is experiencing economic, social and political expansion. This human and cultural wealth provides the francophone community with a rare opportunity. With the right tools and good relations between the federal and provincial governments, Alberta can lay the groundwork for francophone vitality for generations to come.
We hope that the Government of Canada and the communities find ways to better work together and achieve their common goal, while respecting their areas of jurisdiction. Ensuring the vitality and the development of francophones across Canada is what we are all about.
Thank you.