Official Languages Committee on Feb. 7th, 2011

[Rev. Father Claude Gosselin]

Thanks to the Ministry of Education, these people are able to have Catholic schools through the territorial education system.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Are there a lot of priests here in Yukon?

[Rev. Father Claude Gosselin]

There are five of us in the territory.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

How many are Francophone or bilingual?

[Rev. Father Claude Gosselin]

The Francophones are the same ones as before, but I am the only one to serve the Francophone population. We cover the entire territory. Whitehorse is the only place where there are religious services in French. Outside Whitehorse, it is more in the form of visits, or according to needs.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Is there a community health centre?

[Ketsia Houde]

Actually, one of the priorities of the health care group and the AFY is to promote that idea. However, no strategic plan has been developed by authorities in the Yukon territory for health care services in French. As Régis mentioned this morning, it's very difficult to speak to a government official, because he is in mediation. Our goal is to have a Francophone community health centre.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Everyone agrees that there is a need for a health care centre. I know that the AFY has been promoting that since 2003, and everyone recognizes that need.

[Ketsia Houde]

Yes, I think so.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Colleagues, I think it would be a good idea for the federal government to support that by cutting the ribbon.

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Can I use my colleague's remaining time?

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Yes, and I believe you will be sharing it with Ms. Zarac.

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Do you know whether there are young people in the Yukon who are taking health care training through the Consortium de santé en français that exists right across the country?

[Ketsia Houde]

The Yukon is partnering with the SOFA through the AFY.

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Are there young people from the Yukon taking part in the program?

[Ketsia Houde]

Young people?

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Yes, young participants? In terms of people being trained?

[Ketsia Houde]

I can't answer that.

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

It's a good question. We'll find the answer.

Thank you.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

I will be very quick.

You mentioned the baby boom. I have just returned from a mission to Ethiopia where I saw that small steps can result in major changes in terms of the health, not only of mothers, but children as well. As you know, our prime minister has just been appointed joint chair of the UN Committee on Maternal and Child Health. Do you think that Francophone women in the Yukon have the sense that maternal health is a priority?

[Ketsia Houde]

Are you asking me whether that is considered to be a priority at this time? I really couldn't say. We have been asking for prenatal courses in French for eight years now.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

And there are none?

[Ketsia Houde]

They tell us there will be this year, but it's always like that. We have been asking for them for eight years now and we're still waiting.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you, Ms. Zarac.

Perhaps our witnesses would like to make some closing comments before we adjourn the meeting.