Vitality of English-speaking Quebec at stake
QCGN pleads for caution in finding right remedy for Bill 104
Wednesday, March 4, 2010 - In light of the opinion made public today by the Conseil Supérieur de la langue française, the Quebec Community Groups Network is worried about legislative measures that could adversely affect the short- and long-term viability of our institutions, including our schools. While we agree with the Conseil’s opinion that the primacy of the French language and social cohesion in Quebec must be maintained, the government must take into account the impact that implementing the Conseil’s recommendation would have on the English-speaking community.
We know the government of Quebec must apply the Supreme Court ruling on Bill 104 and we see the difficulty in finding a solution that will satisfy the Supreme Court justices, Francophones who are concerned about the survival of their language, and English-speaking Quebecers who are worried about the future of English schools. However, we question if the prescription the Conseil suggests is stronger medicine than what is needed to cure the problem. Read full press release here.
QCGN reacts to Throne Speech
English-speaking Quebecers need to be recognized as a valued part of Quebec and Canada
Montreal, March 4, 2010 - Following yesterday’s Throne Speech, the linguistic minority of Quebec feels invisible.
English-speaking Quebecers are one of the two national linguistic minorities recognized in Canada. We are the largest linguistic minority within a linguistic minority in the country. We possess strong relationships and ties to our fellow Québécois citizens, the francophone majority outside Quebec, as we do to all Canadians. Then why do we feel left out?
We live linguistic duality every day. We have the highest level of bilingualism in the country. Yet, when the government discussed linguistic duality in the Throne Speech yesterday, it pledged only to further strengthen Canada’s francophone identity. While we strongly support Francophones in Quebec and in Canada, English-speaking Quebecers also want to feel secure in their own identity. Read full press release here.
ELAN Launches New Program: Mentorship for Artists
Ever since ELAN was created, our emerging artist members have been asking for a one-on-one mentorship program. With assistance from the Quebec Community Groups Network, ELAN has been able to work with Atif Siddiqi to define the project's scope and recruit experienced mentors. We are happy to launch ELAN's Mentorship for Artists Program.
The ELAN Mentorship for Artists Program is designed to facilitate the success of artists by providing them knowledge and expertise they need to make good creative and business decisions. Over a six-month period, established artist mentors will support, guide and encourage emerging artists who have demonstrated a commitment to their practice. Participating artists will work toward achieving specific goals established at the start of the mentoring relationship. The program aims to create a mutually supportive community of artists that can exchange valuable knowledge and critical feedback.
For more details, click here.
March 23-24, 2010 - Health promotion symposium presenting new research
Townshippers’ Association cordially invites you to attend a one-day multi-sectoral symposium entitled NEW INSIGHTS: Eastern Townships English-speaking Community. The program will encompass health promotion and demographic research relevant to the Eastern Townships English-speaking minority and various health determinants – the building blocks of a vital community. In the Montérégie East, this symposium is planned for Tuesday, March 23, at the Day’s Inn, Cowansville. In the Estrie, it is to take place on Wednesday, March 24, at Bishop’s University, Lennoxville. These events are part of the Eastern Townships Health Promotion Project, and will include presentations of the results of research carried out during the first phase of this initiative. Our aim is that symposium participants in each area of the Townships will together help identify priorities for better adapting existing health promotion initiatives and resources to meet the needs of the English-speaking minority. If you have a relevant best practice or research project, we extend a special invitation to you to participate in the poster session during the symposium. In order to encourage a cross-fertilization of ideas, approaches and concerns, we are also inviting “ambassadors” from other parts of the Townships to attend each symposium. They will be introduced at the beginning of each symposium, and will receive a special invitation to take part in the poster session. Deadline to register: February 26, 2010. For further information, contact Rachel Garber at 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) or dg@townshippers.qc.ca.
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