Meeting of British Columbia’s Regional Francophone Immigration Steering Committee

On November 2, 2010, the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie- Britannique (FFCB) welcomed the members of the British Columbia’s Regional Immigration Steering Committee to a working meeting.

After a warm welcome by Ms. Christine Sotteau, Executive Director of the FFCB, each member gave an update on the status and initiatives of their organization. The atmosphere at the meeting was enthusiastic regarding the success of federal and provincial initiatives and the renewed commitment of its committee members (including Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the responsible provincial department - the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation - and the FFCB).

Members of the Regional Francophone Immigration Steering Committee

present at the meeting:

e Mr. Robert Godfrey: Director General, British Columbia and Yukon Region, CIC

e Ms. Annie Desgagné: Programs Director, Policy and Planning, CIC

e Ms. Caroline Glover: Regional Programs Advisor, British Columbia and Yukon Region, CIC

e Mr. Vincent Portal: Associate Executive Director with the Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development

e Ms. Pascaline Nsekera: Immigration Coordinator, FFCB

e Ms. Christine Sotteau: Executive Director, FFCB

Integration Café Dedicated to the Francophone Immigration in BC

The FFCB worked with the Repére Francophone and members of the Implementation Committee to hold an information discussion on Francophone immigration progress and projects. This first initiative was repeated and

the FFCB will continue this cooperation over the coming months. The FFCB feels it is important to regularly consult with and inform the Francophone immigrant population.

Community Dialogue:

A Promise Kept

As promised in 2009, the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) held a forum at its June 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM) regarding immigration, led by researchers from Urbanisation Culture Société at the National Scientific Research Institute.

This community dialogue, bringing together leaders from the Francophone community, was an opportunity to discuss the problem of immigrant integration, to reflect on the definition of the Francophone identity in BC, and its future.

Participants enjoyed the lively and informative discussion and the presence of involved partners from various sectors. Many expressed a desire to continue

the dialogue.

Some leaders from the African community were pleased to participate in the forum on June 5.

Participants at the Integration Café on October 1, 2010. The goal of the meeting was to explore and suggest actions and initiatives that would best meet the challenges faced by the immigrant community. More than 50 people attended the meeting.