Census: Quebec Community Groups Network supports FCFA in its judicial measures to prevent Census change
Montreal, July 30, 2010 – The Quebec Community Groups Network is entirely behind the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada in its endeavour to get the federal government to reverse its decision to scrap the mandatory long form census. The FCFA has filed an application with the Federal Court for judicial review of the government’s decision. The FCFA, which represents Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, maintains that the decision to replace the long-form census questionnaire with a new, voluntary National Household Survey is an infringement of their Charter rights because the government relies on the language data from the mandatory long form census to determine which federal offices in various regions will offer services and communications in both official languages. Information about people's mother tongue, language spoken in the home and knowledge of both official languages are all used in determining what services will be available where. Full version...
The QCGN files complaint with Commissioner of Official Languages over the Canadian government's decision to scrap mandatory census long form
Montreal, July 21, 2010 – Dismayed by the Federal Government’s decision to make completion of the long form in the 2011 National Census voluntary, the Quebec Community Groups Network this week filed an official complaint with the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, asking him to use his powers to investigate. QCGN President Linda Leith said that information collected during the Census and collated by Statistics Canada, is key data upon which evidence-based policy is developed. “Evidenced-based policy allows community groups like the Quebec Community Groups Network, which support the English-speaking Community of Quebec, to work with the Government of Canada to enhance the vitality of the English linguistic minority communities in Canada,” Leith explained. Full version...
To read the QCGN letter to the Commissioner's office, click here.
QCGN opposed to changes in Census data collection
Friday, July 9, 2010 - The Quebec Community Groups Network is opposed to plans by the federal government to do away with the mandatory long Census form and replace it with a voluntary national household survey. Our Network, which represents 36 English-language groups in Quebec, is concerned this change will make it more difficult to obtain reliable, detailed information that is essential to our work. QCGN president Linda Leith, who has written to Industry Minister Tony Clement to express our concerns, notes that the Census is a critical source of evidence that supports our work on behalf of English-speaking Quebec and that making the completion of the long form voluntary will undermine the credibility of the data collected. “Decisions and actions that affect the legitimacy and consistency of this irreproachable data source are of great concern to the QCGN and the English-speaking Community of Quebec,” Leith noted. See full version of the press release here.
QCGN publishes report on access to cultural expression
“Assessing the English-speaking Community’s Capacity to Access Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Nine Regions of Quebec” was produced by the Quebec Community Groups Network to enhance access to cultural expression for English-speaking communities across Quebec. This report intends to foster identity-building actions and promotes the contribution of arts, culture and heritage to the sustainable development of our official language minority community. English-speaking Quebec’s evolving identity, sense of belonging and pride, space and place in Quebec and Canadian society is reflected and expressed by its arts, culture and heritage. As such, the report strives to develop a unified vision on arts, culture and heritage that reflect its reality and identity. Download the report here.
Recognizing Artists: Enfin Visibles! (RAEV) project is live!
For a fascinating introduction to Quebec’s English speaking writers, musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, and filmmakers visit the ELAN website and check out Recognizing Artists: Enfin Visibles!. The sampling of artists featured in this “group portrait” represents a spectrum of disciplines, regions, and career stages: from internationally renowned icons to emerging artists creating a buzz in their local scene. Discover how well you know your artistic community and become eligible to win a beautiful book of author portraits.
QCGN launches call for nominations for the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award
Montreal, June 21, 2010 - The Quebec Community Groups Network is seeking individuals who have made significant contributions to the vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec for the 2010 edition of the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award. Launched during the kick off of the QCGN’s 15th anniversary celebrations last fall, the Award was instituted to honour individuals like Dr. Victor and Mrs. Sheila Goldbloom who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec. Click here to read the full press release.
Recap on QCGN Members Convention and Annual General Meeting
Launch of QCGN/ACS Diversity Magazine
Language Rights Support Program consults QCGN members at Convention on June 11, 2010
QCGN Induction of Honourary Members, Launch of Call for Nominations for 2010 Goldbloom Awards
CBC interview with new elected President of the QCGN, Mrs. Linda Leith
To listen to the interview, click here.
To read Linda Leith's bio and to learn more about the QCGN's Board of Directors, click here.
|