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Media
Press Releases
For immediate release May 26, 2009
"One Common Space" an Important Goal for Canada’s Future
Ottawa – Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is very excited to recognize that the 2008-2009 annual report released by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, Two Official Languages: One Common Space, is in line with CPF’s advocacy position statements.
Two Official Languages: One Common Space, which serves as the annual report for the year that represents the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, is the third such report released under current Commissioner Graham Fraser. Fraser’s educational recommendations are to secure access to second-official-language education for all students studying in Canada.
"Commissioner Fraser's recommendations are a reflection of CPF’s position that every child should have equitable access to French-second-language educational programming," CPF president David M. Brennick stated in response to the document, which is being launched today. "We are pleased with the recommendations for action and the strengthened commitment to enhance this fundamental Canadian right for all students. We further recognize the need for an advocacy strategy targeting post-secondary opportunities for students."
CPF is also pleased that the Commissioner recognized both the organization’s contributions to language learning in his report and the overall contributions of all the associations making up the FSL Partner Network. "The recommendation for the Minister of Canadian Heritage to coordinate mechanisms bringing together all partners involved in English- or French-second-language learning in Canada is anticipated and welcomed," notes CPF Executive Director James Shea. "We are extremely pleased that the Commissioner’s report recognized the FSL Partner network as a significant partner group working towards official language representation."
There are five groups working together within this network to coordinate efforts into FSL education. Along with CPF, they are the Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers, the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers, the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada, and French for the Future.
CPF is first mentioned in the report on Page 6, with references to Pat Webster and Jos Craven Scott, two exceptional volunteers instrumental in founding the 32-year-old association with a membership that has grown exponentially over the years.
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Canadian Parents for French is the national network of volunteers which values French as an integral part of Canada and which is dedicated to the promotion and creation of French-second-language learning opportunities for young Canadians. There are currently more than 26,000 members across Canada.
Information:
Nicole Chatelain, Communications Officer
Tel: 613.235.1481 x26 Email: nchatelain@cpf.ca