Protecting Francophones now a core consideration

After years of effort by the Official Languages Working Group, we are tremendously proud to announce the creation of a National Francophone Committee. 

PSAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD) was unanimous in approving and lauding the recommendation made by Quebec REVP Yvon Barrière and supported by his Atlantic and NCR counterparts Colleen Coffey and Alex Silas.

“I am elated to announce this news,” said Yvon Barrière with visible emotion. “Some might say that we should have done this ages ago. Let’s just say that the pandemic and ensuing remote work helped precipitate the decline of French in our workplaces. The Committee’s creation could not be more timely. Its mission is crucial, now more than ever.” 

PSAC’s National Francophone Committee will be tasked with raising members’ awareness to the reality of the French fact. Its mandate will include formulating recommendations and policies to address the concerns and issues faced by PSAC Francophones countrywide, particularly:

  • the recognition and respect of Francophone Canadians’ constitutional rights under sections 16 to 20 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
  • individuals’ language rights under the Official Languages Act;
  • the respect, defence, representation and promotion of the French language in the activities of PSAC, Components and DCLs.

This standing committee will be able to make recommendations to the NBoD just like any other standing committee.