A Positive Statistical Profile for B.C. on the Number of Children Eligible for Instruction in the Minority Official Language

Delegates had the opportunity to discover new statistical data from the 2021 census presented by Josée Guignard Noël, Research Officer at the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities, and to participate in enthusiastic discussions on the subject with panelists Mark Power, lawyer at Power Law, and Marie-Pierre Lavoie, Chair of the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF).

It should be noted that the 2021 census now counts all categories of rights holders, not just those whose mother tongue is French. In British Columbia, the impact of this change is most positive for the vast majority in the regions in the province.

This data sheds light on the growth potential of Francophone communities across the province and the current and future needs related to this. The statistical profile also serves as a forecasting tool for the various infrastructures and services needed to meet the needs of communities, such as the expansion or construction of new schools and child care centres in different regions, or in terms of health and social services, education, government services, and other services.

Ms. Marie-Pierre Lavoie enriched the discussions by presenting the challenges faced by the CSF in its desire to meet the educational needs of communities, in addition to the solutions and actions already put in place.

Following this presentation, participants had the opportunity to interact with the panellists and ask questions about the needs and challenges in their respective regions, and to learn about possible avenues to address these. Mr. Power, who is very passionate about the issue, was generous with his time and answered all the questions.

We invite you to consult the presentation document that provides an overview of the statistical profile from the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities, by clicking here.