Evidence of meeting #39 for Official Languages in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was alberta.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I would add that, here in Alberta, a lot of work is being done on inclusion. I want to acknowledge the remarkable work of francophone community organizations. As I always say, our schoolchildren are the ones showing us the way.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yvan Baker
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.
Before moving on to the second round of questions, I need to turn to Ms. Lachance. The technicians are asking you to unplug your headset and plug it back in. They think that might solve the problem.
We can now continue.
Colleagues, we're moving on to the second round of questions, but I'm going to have to reduce everyone's speaking time.
Mr. Godin, you have the floor for four minutes.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Lachance and Ms. Laurin, thank you for being with us. I'm glad to see you taking part in our process.
First, I would like to ask a general question. The Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta has been around for 100 years. Can you summarize the situation of French in Alberta over the past 100 years?
Can you tell us whether it has improved or not? What is the current situation?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
There have been high points and not-so-high points. It must be acknowledged that, a little over 100 years ago, when Alberta became a province of Canada in 1905, French was the most spoken European language in Edmonton and the province. However, French was then prohibited as a language of instruction in schools for years.
There was the Piquette affair in 1987. A provincial MLA was asked to speak only English in the Legislative Assembly.
The provincial government has designated 2026 as the Year of the Francophonie in Alberta. Today, around 40 MLAs are able to speak French. We can hear French in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. In addition, there are 49 francophone schools that serve 10,000 students, and there are 75,000 rights holders.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Ms. Lachance, earlier you told my colleague that you no longer heard French spoken.
My question is very simple: Is French currently in decline in Alberta?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I would say that it's expanding nicely, since we're hearing more and more French. What improves the situation is that 260,000 Albertans are able to express themselves in French. This is a pool of people who can express themselves in French.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Thank you.
The purpose of the act is to stop the decline of French and to protect and promote both official languages.
In your opinion, do the draft regulations proposed here in the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act achieve these objectives?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I think the draft regulations can help us, but more communities need to be designated as communities where services are offered in French and English.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
I gather that you're suggesting that we increase the number of regions with a strong francophone presence.
Is that correct?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
That's correct.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Who do you think is best placed to know the reality on the ground to establish and confirm regions with a strong francophone presence?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I think that the work must be done in tandem and that advocacy organizations must be included. The federal government and advocacy organizations must work together to ensure that services are actually received.
Conservative
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I don't think so.
Ms. Laurin, what do you think?
Isabelle Laurin Executive Director, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
I believe there were general consultations, but not targeted ones with each province and territory.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
ACFA was not consulted.
Wouldn't you be the best people to recognize those regions?
You talk about participation, but beyond that, the Governor in Council or Canadian Heritage officials decided that only one part of Edmonton should be designated.
That means that no legislation will be enforced elsewhere to require federally regulated businesses to serve their customers in French.
Does that make sense to you?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yvan Baker
There are only 10 seconds left. Please answer very briefly, Ms. Lachance.
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
Yes, I agree with you. We need a lot more designated places.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yvan Baker
Colleagues, I'm going to be very strict about time.
I will give the floor to Mr. D'Entremont for four minutes.
Liberal
Chris d'Entremont Liberal Acadie—Annapolis, NS
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to the witnesses.
In majority anglophone regions, there are small francophone communities, particularly in Nova Scotia. I see it's the same in Alberta.
What are the priorities?
What services are now available in French in the regions, in Calgary and in Edmonton for the francophone population, from either the provincial or federal government, or in businesses under federal jurisdiction?
President, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
Apart from the services provided by francophone organizations, I think the rest is much more ad hoc. We can benefit from employees who are bilingual, but they don't guarantee that services are offered in both languages consistently or even regularly.
Liberal
