Gaspé, August 24, 2009
Notes for an address at the Committee for Anglophone Social Action's
“Breakfast with the Commissioner” event
Graham Fraser – Commissioner of Official Languages
Check against delivery
Good morning everyone. Bonjour.
For the past few days, I have been visiting many communities, both French- and English- speaking along the Acadian and Gaspesian coasts. And all along the way, I have been welcomed with open arms by such great people that I regret having to leave later today.
It’s been quite a while since I visited the Coast, and I’ll be sure to come back for pleasure in the years to come in order to really take in all the region has to offer.
Yesterday, I had the chance to discuss the history of your community and your region, as well as the contribution of both the English- and French-speaking communities to this history. Today, I would like to continue this discussion and highlight some of your successes, taking into consideration some of the challenges you continue to face together.
I believe that the Gaspé Peninsula, and the town of Gaspé more specifically, provide excellent examples of communities in which English and French speakers can live side by side and support each other. You recognize the importance and the role of your English-speaking communities, as well as the contribution they can make to the region as a whole.
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.
Conclusion
With its roots dating back to the 18th century, the resilience of the Gaspé Peninsula’s English-speaking community is indisputable. Working in partnership with the French-speaking majority, together you can ensure that all Gaspesians continue to thrive in their own culture. As we celebrate the 475th anniversary of Gaspé, I invite you to continue to celebrate your differences, your commonalities as well as the great feeling of inclusiveness and diversity that exists in your communities.
Opportunities such as today’s gathering demonstrate clearly the importance of ongoing dialogue between our two great linguistic communities. Here, in the town of Gaspé and in the Gaspé Peninsula, you continue to serve as an inspiration to other official language minority communities across the country and, for that, I congratulate you.
Thank you.
