New Richmond, August 23, 2009
Notes for an address before the English-speaking community of New Richmond
Graham Fraser – Commissioner of Official Languages
Check against delivery
Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for the warm welcome.
This year marks an important milestone in our country’s linguistic heritage, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act. For this region in particular, this year represents another remarkable milestone: Gaspé’s 475th anniversary.
Today also marks my first official visit to the Gaspé Peninsula since becoming Commissioner of Official Languages in 2006.
I have been to the Gaspé several times, but always as a journalist during election campaigns, jumping on and off campaign buses. I have always wanted to come back.
As a reporter in Quebec City, I was well aware of the energy and determination of the English-speaking community in the Gaspé. I heard the stories about the founding of the Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA), and the enormous amount of work that has been done in these communities over the years.
Although the English-speaking community is spread out over hundreds of kilometres, it’s clear how tightly knit you are and how much pride you have in your heritage and your community. With organizations such as CASA, the Community Table and the Community Economic Development and Employability Committee (CEDEC), to name just a few, there is no doubt that you are taking charge of the issues affecting you to ensure your community’s ongoing vitality.
Your community pride is unmistakable as we gather here at the Gaspesian British Heritage Village. Such installations demonstrate the important role of English-speaking settlers in the history of the Gaspé Peninsula. The Scottish were the first Europeans to settle in the New Richmond area, mainly drawn to the excellent fishing industry potential of the region. In the 18th century, names such as Duthie, Garrett and McLennan were commonplace here, and they can still be found in the community today. Toward the end of the century, they were joined by Acadian LeBlancs, Arseneaus and others who had relocated to the coast during the 1755 deportation. The British Heritage Village recognizes the historical importance of linguistic duality and of building bridges among the French and the English. It also serves to highlight the historical contribution of the Mi’kmaq people to the region.
As the Gaspé Peninsula deals with economic renewal, an ageing population and a widespread youth exodus, it is even more important that all members of the community be at the table to discuss how to improve community life and ensure the vitality of minority language communities, which should be considered a great asset to the region. All levels of government should also be involved; the federal government has a legislated mandate to support our official language communities and the provincial government has certain obligations to this effect as well.
In terms of its economy, the Gaspé Peninsula is going through a transition. As it moves away from mining, fishing and millwork, the English- and French-speaking communities will have to work together to cultivate new opportunities. Already, much is being done to develop tourism and ecotourism, in the region. English-speaking youth, with their increased levels of bilingualism, will be a valuable asset in this industry. In particular, I look to the programs offered at the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles in the town of Gaspé.
Offering programs like adventure tourism can shape Gaspé youth for careers that are relevant to their region, and encourage them to stay in the region, and in doing so reduce exodus rates.
The world of tourism has changed. Travellers have higher standards: they want, as the saying goes, hard days and soft nights. Adventure tourism—hiking, birdwatching, kayaking—during the day; then a hot bath, a good meal, a good bottle of wine, and a bed that is both soft and firm.
The CEGEP programs offered at this institution, which can be followed in both languages, are an excellent opportunity for members of both language communities to improve on their language skills. Such programs also allow young people to improve on their knowledge of the other community’s language, culture and challenges. They also bring communities closer together.
Preparing our youth for their future is key to ensuring the vitality of the community. The English-speaking community here has been very attentive to the needs of its youth. Initiatives such as the recent hiring of two youth program coordinators for the region to assist students in obtaining necessary information related to future employment and in providing them job shadowing opportunities in their area will help retain them in your communities. After all, they are our future leaders and we must provide them with the tools they need to take on these roles.
Demographic change is also reshaping the region. Its rapidly ageing English-speaking population makes the need for a strong collaborative relationship between the French- and English-speaking communities all the more pressing to ensure necessary services are provided to all members of the community. As an example, the work done by Immersion Baie-des-Chaleurs to train health care workers in English so that they may better care for members of the English-speaking community. As the population depends more and more on the healthcare system, it is essential that elderly and sick patients understand and are understood by their healthcare workers.
Your region has not been immune to Canada’s current nurse and doctor shortages. However, organizations such as the Community Health and Social Services Network have made great strides in improving English-language services. Francophone health leaders in the Gaspé have also done a great deal to this effect. Some issues remain, but I encourage all parties to keep up the momentum.
With its roots dating back to the 18th century, the resilience of the Gaspé Peninsula’s English-speaking community is indisputable. As you face new challenges for the 21st century, your community depends on your engagement, and your willingness to make the region better. Seeing all of you gathered here today reinforces how strong your community is. You should all be very proud of your many accomplishments. As I get to know all of you today, I hope to be laying the foundation for many future opportunities to collaborate.
Thank you.
