Yukon francophone group presents its blueprint for better life

The Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) wants a dialogue with federal, territorial and municipal politicians to discuss a list of 30 proposals its president Angélique Bernard said will advance the quality of life in the territory.

"Francophones are everywhere. We work in the community, we volunteer, so by improving the lives of francophones, you improve the life of the whole territory," said Bernard.

One proposal is to establish a "Status of Seniors Directorate" headed by a cabinet minister, said Isabelle Salesse, AFY's executive director.

"We're all getting older and we don't have anything structural, but there are needs that are serious and we need funding. [Having] a vision for elders, and a minister responsible for elders, will help," she said.

The association is asking that institutions like the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Yukon College have a French-speaking member on their boards of directors, nominated by the francophone community.

It also wants a commissioner appointed who could investigate complaints that French-language services are not being provided in areas they're legally required.

AFY is also asking the federal government to let foreign citizens take the test for permanent Canadian residency in French in Yukon. English testing is available, but the French examination is done in Vancouver. 

Salesse believes French-speaking Yukoners are generally well accepted in the territory, but there are gaps.

"When you change government, however, you change from one minister to another. We need to have things in place that it doesn't matter who is going to be in charge, it's going to be the same way for the French community," she said.

"And at that point, I'm not sure we are there yet," said Salesse.

Election issues

Bernard said the requests included in the list are not new.

"But we figure we would put it all in one document, French-English, so that depending on who we talk to they have the same information," she said.

The document is also being released now so that the issues raised can be put to politicians who show up at people's doors in the upcoming territorial election, she said.

Bernard says federal, territorial and municipal politicians have been asked to take part in a discussion on the proposals at AFY's annual general meeting on Sept. 24.