Speech by the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs

at the Symposium on the "Politique d'aménagement linguistique"

Ottawa
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, good evening.

I am happy to be here this evening to mark the symposium on the "Politique d'aménagement linguistique"—or "PAL" to its closest friends—and to celebrate Ontario's 100 most notable Francophones.

It is always a great pleasure for me to find myself among so many people who feel strongly about two causes that I consider particularly important: the vitality of the French fact and the development of our youth.

First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the passion and commitment that drive you.

I know how hard you work, in your daily life, in your schools, in your organizations, in your families, to improve our children's school experience.

I know how much conviction, generosity and determination you put into it.

I recall the event two years ago where I accompanied the former Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy, at the launch of the "Politique d'aménagement linguistique".

This unique and innovative policy was something to be proud of. And more than ever we have reason to be proud of it—very proud.

In my view, adoption of PAL marked a turning point in the way of envisioning the development and future of Ontario's Francophone communities.

It has infused new energy into our province's French language education system and it continues to invigorate it.

In short, dare we say that "aménagement linguistique" is the jewel in the crown of French language education in Ontario?

I am proud to take part in its implementation as Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Furthermore, no later than this coming Friday, I will have the pleasure of turning the spotlight on "aménagement linguistique" at the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie. I have chosen to make a presentation on this innovative policy to my federal, provincial and territorial colleagues.

For me and for everyone who deeply believes in it, implementation of this policy is in alignment with both the present and the future.

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For a community to renew itself and project itself into the future, it must appeal to its youth and invite them to be full participants in the vision of society it wishes to create for itself.

In the case of Ontario's Francophonie, this vision of society must of necessity be built on a foundation of belonging to the French language and its cultures.

And we know that the feeling of belonging involves more than linguistic proficiency alone.

It is necessary to develop an emotional connection with the language, a visceral attachment. It is necessary to bring the language to life through a range of declinations that are respectful of the past, relevant to the present and full of promise for the future.

So, if French is to be, as the "Politique d'aménagement linguistique" so justly advocates, at the core of the our young people's identity, it must, from the outset, recognize and accept that our young people live in a universe that has exploded, a universe of multiple identities,....

... a universe where French must co-exist with English, where new technologies bump up against traditional notions of time and space.

In shaping the identity of young Franco-Ontarians, a predominant place must be allotted to French, but from the perspective of cohabitation with other languages, other cultures and contemporary lifestyles.

In Ontario, as elsewhere Canada, the future of French and of la Francophonie plays out against the backdrop of linguistic duality.

The healthier linguistic duality is, the more Francophones are able to develop and grow in their own language.

I do not know if you have heard about the results of a recent Decima Research study on bilingualism in Canada.

According to this survey, support for bilingualism has really jumped over the last three years, in all provinces. In fact, it has never been so high.

What is hardly surprising, but very encouraging, is that this support is strongest among young people.

Young people immediately recognize the value added of bilingualism, economically, of course, but culturally and even personally.

I know that for all those who have taken part in all the battles for the survival of French and who now work for its development, bilingualism is a risk because assimilation is a constant threat.

I definitely do not underestimate the threat of assimilation.

However, I remain optimistic, for the future belongs to those who, strengthened by the lessons of the past, scan the horizon in search of better tomorrows. These builders of the future, these builders of our future at the heart of la Francophonie and out in the world are our young people.

Young people define themselves as Francophones in a new way and that is as it should be.

And if, as adults, we are responsible for guiding and supervising them, we must also be open to their viewpoints, for they are more connected with the world than ever and they are also forging our fate.

This fate depends, however, on the actions of our community leaders.

These individuals have devoted their lives and their energies to laying the foundations for the progress we have made. This evening presents an opportunity to honour their commitment.

The "Honorons les Nôtres" project is intended to pay tribute to 100 individuals for their contribution to the Francophone community all across Ontario.

I would like to congratulate all those who were nominated, who have had a lasting impact on the community and who have demonstrated leadership.

They are a source of inspiration for all of us.

And the best way to honour them is to support and welcome the 100 most notable Francophones of tomorrow. Our French language schools are fertile ground for nurturing this new generation and PAL is an invaluable tool for getting there.

In this year that marks the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act, now more than ever it is time once again to display the new face of Ontario's Francophonie, a face that is definitely open, creative focused new horizons.

Together we can chart the course of an exciting future.

Once again, thank you for your drive and your commitment, and have a good symposium!