FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES Update to Coalition Council discussions / Next steps December 2013 Presented by: Nadia Martins, B.A.

French Language Service Framework: The French Language Services Act (1986) guarantees to all persons and corporate entities the right to communicate with the government of Ontario ministries and agencies and to receive services in French in 26 designated areas. Within Simcoe county, 3 areas designated under FLSA: – Penetanguishene, Tiny and Essa

Population Changes Ontario is home to the largest number of Francophones outside of Québec. Approximately Between 2006 and 2011, the general population of Simcoe county has grown by approximately 5,2% and Francophone population of Ontario has grown by approximately 4,5%.

Francophones in Simcoe County Approximately Constitues approximately 3% of total population Geographic poles where there is a significant Francophone base: – Barrie, Essa*, Tiny*, Penetanguishene*, Midland & Orillia Some francophones live in these areas (almost 70% of the total Francophone population of the County) *Designated area

Demographic and Trend 23,8% 41,5% 34,6% If trend continues, 50% of total Francophone population will be in Centre and South-West regions within 10 years* York region has less than 1.6% vacancies in rental units and average salary (70 000$/year) only affords housing around $ *Office des affaires francophones + Comité dexperts en matière déducation postsecondaire (2013) *Human Services Planning Board of York Region (2013)

French Language Service Plans Ontario Regulation 284/11* came into force in July 2011, clarifying Ministrys requirements under the French Language Services Act (1986) and obligations with respect to services offered by third parties on behalf of ministries and other government agencies. MCYS presented requirements and obligations to third parties in April Agencies were asked to present an FLS plan by the fall of *

French Language Service Plans (cont) In Novembre 2012, the AFO (Assemblée de la francophonie de lOntario) publishes linguistic data from the 2011 census showing the growth of the francophone population just south of Simcoe. In March 2013, the Coalition hosted a presentation from the Commissionner of French Language Services of Ontario, M e François Boileau, in order to support members in developing their FLS Plans and to better understand the « Active offer of service » component of their plans. Revised plans submitted to MCYS were to be included as part of agencies service contracts with the ministry.

The ultimate Goal: Active offer of service Do Coalition members have a common understanding of the definition « Active offer of service »? Discussion

Known Initiatives New Path has a pilot project for first contact in collaboration with Common Roof agencies and La Clé Some agencies have been identifying their internal capacity and have been offering their francophone personnel Professionnal Development opportunities In collaboration with the francophone community, Childrens Aid has developped and implimented a Francophone team for Simcoe County

Known Initiatives (cont) Early Intervention agencies have agreed to share francophone personnel to respond to needs as required Community Living Huronia has been approved to provide and coordinate the Early Intervention French language Services for the county – December 2013 La Clé will be producing a training document for francophones – March 2014

Training and support for French speaking personnel Correction software: Antidote – Available for sale at La Clé French language training (basic FSL or conversation) – multiple training sites available in Simcoe County* Training for Francophone personnel should be available after March 2014 * Contact La Clé or Collège Boréal

Next Steps: Now that we know what other members have done in order to enhance their capacity to work with francophones, is there opportunities for collaboration to share in these initiatives or to develop services/projects with/for the francophone community? Discussion If you are interested in participating in collaboration, please leave your information with Deb Woods, Coalition Coordinator

MERCI