Official Languages Committee on Feb. 7th, 2011

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Are there day-care centres?

[Ketsia Houde]

There is one Francophone day-care centre, but it is not currently offering activities that involve both parents and children.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

I see. But there is a Francophone day-care centre.

[Ketsia Houde]

Yes.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Are there enough resources to handle all the Francophone children?

[Ketsia Houde]

There was a baby boom last year. Between the months of September and December, I believe some 25 Francophone women gave birth. In the general population, there is a baby boom in Yukon this year. Right now, all the spots in the day care are taken.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

That means you will probably need another one.

[Ketsia Houde]

Yes. It's good news for the school board, because it means more and more students will be attending the French schools.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

In terms of school services, do you also work with children? Are you involved in sports, for example?

[Ketsia Houde]

As an organization, Les EssentiElles tries to give workshops in the schools about violence prevention, feminism or other topics. But they are few and far between, because we do not have a lot of resources and the schools are very busy. However, we do try to do some things in the schools.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

You say that there is three to four times more violence against women. Is that in the Greater Municipality of Whitehorse or more outside?

[Ketsia Houde]

According to Statistics Canada, it's all across Northern Canada. In the territories, there is three to four times more violence against women. An Aboriginal woman is five times more likely to be a victim of violence.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

These are women who do not necessarily speak French?

[Ketsia Houde]

Not necessarily. I don't think there are any statistics on Francophone women, but in general, there is a lot more violence. We were thinking that among Francophones, there is less violence, but Francophones are also married to Anglophones…

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

I think you're really courageous.

[Ketsia Houde]

It's an additional challenge for Francophone women, because it's a small community. If there is violence, those women will have fewer resources and, as everybody knows, if the information comes out, everyone will know.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

So the women do not want to talk about it. Women often do that. Everyone knows each other, so everybody talks. That can lead to situations where neither your neighbour or your best friend will speak to you anymore. That isn't easy to deal with.

I wish you success with this new program. Last year, there were significant cuts to Status of Women Canada, and we were very disappointed by that. Everyone suffered as a result, even in Quebec where grants to groups were completely cut. That grant money was then given to other groups that fight abortion, and so on. We were a little shocked when that happened, but--

If there are new programs in the works, then that's good news. I hope you will be the first ones to take advantage of them, because you really need them.

How many are there in your group?

[Ketsia Houde]

There are one or two of us. Ah, ah! It's me, and on occasion, part-time employees, depending on the projects we are able to secure.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

And volunteers.

I hope it works. We will note that in our next report, following this meeting.

[Ketsia Houde]

I would just like to add one positive point: at the present time, our officer in Edmonton speaks French.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

So, that is a help to you.

In terms of translation, I find that unacceptable. You absolutely have to apply pressure. That is simply ridiculous. We have noted that and will include it in our report.

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you, Ms. Guay.

We move now to Mr. Lauzon.

[Guy Lauzon, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I will begin with a brief question for Ms. Houde.

First of all, the name of your organization is unique: Les EssentiElles. And so is your first name. Could you explain the origin of your name?

[Ketsia Houde]

Well, it's a long story. It's not Russian, it's not… Actually, I don't really know.

[Guy Lauzon, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

I would just like a clarification. You said there were no services available for children aged 1 to 5. What services are they missing?