Quebec Community Groups Network

Le Nouvel Hotel, May 6th 2010

Regional Associations are key stakeholders

Sector Organizations are/can be key contributors

Community Learning Centres are funded to support the vitality of the English-speaking Community of Quebec. The QCGN is the Government of Canada’s

official representative of the English-speaking Community of Quebec

Federal: Official Language Minority Community, “English Speaking Community of Quebec”.

Provincial: MELS focus is on the ‘education’ community

Ground level: heterogeneous linguistic mix that defies binary definitions. Communities.

“The purpose of s. 23 (Minority Language Educational Rights) is the protection and promotion of the minority language community in each province. Section 23 is of prime importance given “the vital role of education in preserving and encouraging linguistic and cultural vitality.” Gosselin (Tutor of) v. Quebec (Attorney General)

Treating minority language education as a service will cause its disappearance. Demographic reality Province obligated, “where numbers warrant”

Treating education as a staple of Community life is more likely to result in the institutions sustainability.

To understand, exercise, disseminate and protect Canada’s minority language rights. Rights ownership.

To understand and ensure that the English schools of Quebec are a centre of Community vitality and culture that play a critical part in our unique identity as English-speaking Quebecers; Sustainability. An appreciation of the Community’s place in

the fabric of Quebec. To work in partnership with the Governments of Canada

and Quebec to ensure the success of the Community’s education system. Ensure equal consideration and equitable support for

Canada’s English OLMC, and Quebec’s English-speaking Community

Ensure that bi-lateral agreements related to Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction reflect the needs of English-speaking Quebec, and that federal funding therein allocated fully benefits the English-speaking Community.

The definition of community changes at each operational level

The principle of education as a vital community institution remains unchanged

The health of community rests on the health of its schools

Community is governed by community members

The definition of ‘community’ must be rooted within the context of a minority language community

CLCs are funded to support the vitality of the English-speaking Community of Quebec, not the general population.

There must be a coordinated approach to planning and implementing CLCs at the National, Provincial, and local level. These approaches must reflect the development priorities of the English-speaking Community (ies) they serve

The English School Boards and the English-speaking Community have a responsibility to help principals, directors general and CLC coordinators understand and implement Community priorities.