CPF Magazine Fall 2024 Issue

FALL 2024
Magazine
$6.95 • FREE FOR MEMBERS
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
Meet The
New CPF National
Board of Directors
THE ULTIMATE
SUMMER CAMP
FUN IN MANITOBA!
Glendon-YorkU Alumni
Dives Into Why Being
Bilingual is a Must-Have
5 Compelling Reasons to
Pursue Your Post-Secondary
Studies in French
CHAMPIONING
FRENCH EDUCATION
FOR EARLY YEARS
LEARNERS

Magazine
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
FALL 2024
www.cpf.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Nicole Thibault, Dominique Labas,
Ahdithya Visweswaran and other authors
and organizations as noted in their articles.
EDITORIAL MANAGER
Dominique Labas
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Stripe Graphics Ltd.
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Canadian Parents for French
Email: advertise@cpf.ca
CPF Magazine is published three times per
year for members of Canadian Parents for
French. Our readership includes parents
of students learning French as a second
language, French language teachers,
school board or district staff, and provincial,
territorial and federal government staff
responsible for official languages education.
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FALL 2024
Table of Contents
FEATURES
6 Exercising Your Language Rights in Ontario, No Matter
How, When or Where You Learned French
8 Stephen Teong — A Graduate’s Perspective
on Bilingualism
REGULAR ARTICLES
1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2 CPF YOUTH ACTIVITY
Les animaux et leurs empreintes
3 CPF PROJECTS
French Footprints – Why Parent Engagement Matters!
10 CPF EVENTS
During the CPF Leaders' Networking Event
in St. John's, NL.
12 CPF BRANCHES
Meet the Recipients of the CPF Awards of Recognition
for 2024
14 CPF PROJECTS
More Than Words – Addressing FSL Teacher
Retention and Attrition
16 CPF BRANCHES
2024 Camp Soleil Summer Recap
18 CPF PROJECTS
Where Are They Now: Mariah Meilleur
20 CPF PARTNERS
Postsecondary Studies in French: A Winning Choice!
Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization
that promotes and creates opportunities to learn and use French for all those who
call Canada home.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Fall edition of CPF Magazine!
As your National President, I’m excited to share all
the wonderful things happening at CPF this season.
With families back to school, we’ve recently
celebrated Canada’s Official Languages Day on
September 12th and Truth and Reconciliation Day
on September 30th. Our CPF membership drives
are in full swing across the country—remember,
membership is now free, so invite your neighbors
to join us! Looking ahead, we’ll soon kick off our
annual Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign
on December 3rd.
We’re also thrilled to announce that
registration is open for the CPF Virtual French Tutoring. Plus,
our French Footprints podcast series has just released a new
episode. In this fifth episode, Madame Amy chats with children’s
music entertainer Charlotte Diamond, offering valuable tips for
parents of young bilingual learners.
In this issue, you'll find articles and tips to inspire you and
your child as we embark on the new school year. We’re excited
to share updates about the French Services Act in Ontario, a
student’s positive experiences at Glendon
Campus, York University, and a new "Where
Are They Now?" video featuring a Manitoba
graduate. You'll also find recaps of our summer
activities, including camps and early learning
programs in Manitoba, the National AGM,
and the Leaders’ Network Event. We also
celebrate three special individuals who have
made significant contributions to CPF and
student French learning through our Awards
of Recognition.
Don’t forget to follow CPF on social media
for the latest updates and virtual events,
available to all members across Canada. Visit our website for
information and resources to support your family’s French
language journey. We deeply appreciate your support and
encourage you to get involved in our engaging member
opportunities. Merci et à bientôt! n
KATE ASHLEY
CPF NATIONAL PRESIDENT
CPF Member’s Corner Fall 2024
For new members, we hope you relax and enjoy easy access to information and
resources on the cpf.ca website. For returning members, as CPF moved to new,
free digital memberships in spring 2024, a few things have changed to make
the member renewal process easier and more streamlined:
• Members no longer need a membership ID number or account login to renew their
membership – No lost passwords and resets! No digging to find a CPF membership ID!
• We have removed the Login Button from the website masthead, the Account function
and assignment of a Membership Identification number (ID) from the website – Making
direct access to information quick and easy!
• As we are no longer assigning and maintaining membership numbers, we will no longer
ask for or require your membership number for participation in CPF events or activities.
• Annual renewals will be initiated in June/July every year, CPF will reach out to members
by email to renew, decline renewal, or update any address details.
At any time of year, as members, if you have any questions,
please reach out to us at cpf@cpf.ca. We are here to serve you!
7
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 1

CPF PROJECTS
WHY Parent
Engagement
Matters!
CHAMPIONING FRENCH
FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
continued...
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 3

CPF PROJECTS
From taking the first step of introducing basic
French-language activities to your little one, to
engaging with early years educators to identify
responsive learning materials and even advocating for the
expansion of FSL learning in your communities, parents
have a pivotal role in supporting their children to reap the
multitude of benefits from French education, especially
at an early age.
Not knowing what to look for or where to start on
their advocacy journey holds a lot of parents back, so
Canadian Parents for French is here to lend a helping
hand to empower you to take an active role in your
young ones’ bilingual education this year and beyond.
Embracing bilingualism and empowering your children
through French language learning is how parents can
foster community, culture, and growth.
This propels French learners in the early years and
beyond to outrank their unilingual counterparts across an
array of skills in educational settings, notably: listening,
communication, and overall performance.
Bilingualism also opens doors, according to a study
by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages,
which states that 93% of Canadians agree it provides
better job opportunities, 88% believe it offers more
success when travelling abroad, and 87% citing bilingualism
as giving the advantage of becoming familiar with
another culture.
If behavioural or learning disabilities are a concern
for your child, it’s important to remember that early
learners can still thrive in bilingual programming with
the right support. Typically, students who transfer out
of French programs do not perform better when
moved to an English-only program.
!
Take Action
Identify your “why” for pursuing
education for your children
in French. Use this as your ‘raison
d’être’ to speak up and advocate
for French programs in your
children’s early years centre
or school.
French Learning
Programs to Consider
English-speaking parents considering enrolling their
child(ren) in French second language learning programs
need to consider a basic plan on how to introduce French
into their regular family activities and lifestyle. By incorporating
French into family activities, parents demonstrate
that learning new things is fun and can be shared as a
family. Having an open attitude and practicing is all that
is required for being successful in learning French.
Reinforcing the learning link between home and school
by providing age-appropriate books and resources in both
official languages is important to help guide parents as
they consider which French learning programs are best
suited to their child(ren)’s needs.
Core French and French immersion are the most
common programs available across Canada. While
research supports introducing French the earlier the
better, at Kindergarten or Grade 1, these formal learning
programs are introduced at different stages in different
jurisdictions. In some provinces, they begin in Kindergarten
but in most provinces French is introduced at Grade 4.
!
That’s why early parent
engagement matters.
Take Action
When preparing your child for the
transition from early learning to
primary school, connect with your
local schools to learn about the FSL
programs offered and whether they
are right for your child’s
learning goals.
... 93% of Canadians agree it
provides better job opportunities,
88% believe it offers more success
when travelling abroad ...
4 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

CPF PROJECTS
Parents are spearheading the movement towards
bilingual education advocacy across the country,
championing dual-language learning that offers much
more than just another communication method.
!
Take Action
Reach out to a CPF Chapter in your local community to use your voice and join with other
parents and guardians to affect positive, long-term, educational change and coordinate more
opportunities for all students in Canada. To locate your local CPF Chapter or to communicate
with the CPF Branch in your province or territory, or with CPF National, visit CPF.ca.
Using Your
Voice
As active stakeholders in the system, parents and guardians
have the power to affect positive, long-term, educational
change in the early years and beyond. All across Canada,
passionate groups of parents have organized town halls,
petitioned, and lobbied local school representatives to
successfully introduce new French programs at their school
or in their district. Many have formed local CPF Chapters
who can share their experiences with other parents seeking
help in increasing access to French learning opportunities in
their communities.
The increased enrollment of children in FSL programs
and the fruition of many thriving bilingual initiatives are
the result of determined and engaged parents. Parents
are acting as catalysts for positive change in their child’s
education. This is made evident by those who opt in to
FSL programming , which ultimately opens a window of
countless opportunities for their child. Connect with early
learning centres/agencies and school boards to share your
thoughts and inquire about current programs; discuss
opportunities with other parents; establish advocacy
groups to expand existing programming to support children
learning in French. If programs are established in your
community already, continued support is always needed.
Consider volunteering at school and cultural events, sharing
fun and simple French learning activities, or being involved
in afterschool programs.
Championing
Young Learners
At home, parents can encourage growth whether or not
they speak French themselves. Things like having their
children read to them in French, engaging their child in
art and music-related French activities, or connecting
with early years educators to identify possible responsive
resources and learning materials that are developmentally
appropriate, can all help with French-language learning.
Embracing bilingualism and empowering your young
ones through French language learning is how parents can
foster community, culture, and growth. n
To learn more about opportunities for
all students in Canada, visit CPF.ca
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 5

Exercising Your Language Rights
in Ontario, No Matter How, When
or Where You Learned French
BY THE OFFICE OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES COMMISSIONER OF ONTARIO
As you probably already know,
Ontario is home to many
immersion school programs that
enrich students’ lives through learning
French. But did you know that in
Ontario, all French speakers – whether
Francophone by birth, graduates of
French immersion or because it’s the
Canadian official language they are
most comfortable using – have the
right to Ontario government services
in French?
In 1986, Ontario’s Legislative
Assembly unanimously adopted the
French Language Services Act (FLSA),
a law protecting a person’s right to
communicate in French with, and to
receive certain services in French from
the provincial government.
According to Statistics Canada,
Ontario is home to approximately
1.5 million people who can speak
French – the largest French-speaking
population in the country outside of
Québec. Ontario’s French speakers
have diverse backgrounds and come
from all over the world. Some learned
French as a first language; others as
a second, third or even fourth. But
regardless of how or when you
learned the language, anyone who
speaks French has the right to receive
government services covered by
the French Language Services Act in
French if they wish. Those services
should be equivalent to those available
in English, actively offered and
immediately available.
In fact, as of April 1, 2023, there
must be an “active offer” of service in
French, which should be communicated
to anyone seeking a provincial government
service from their first point of
contact. “Active offer” also means
that the onus is on the service provider
6 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

Ontario is home to approximately 1.5 million people
who can speak French — the largest French-speaking
population in the country outside of Québec.
– the government – to ensure that services in French are
offered. The goal is to make it clear that anyone who
speaks French has the right to obtain services in French
from the Ontario government, its agencies, third parties
or from institutions of the legislature.
But how can you be confident that the services in
French you seek will be available, accessible and of good
quality? That is where the Ontario Ombudsman and its
French Language Services Unit can play a key role. The role
of the unit, led by French Language Services Commissioner
Carl Bouchard, is to ensure compliance with the FLSA,
by reviewing complaints from the public, conducting
investigations and making recommendations to improve
the delivery of government services in French.
Ontario’s French speakers
have diverse backgrounds
and come from all over
the world. Some learned
French as a first language;
others as a second, third
or even fourth.
The Commissioner plays an important role in supporting
Ontario’s Francophone community and promoting
French language rights in the province. Reporting to the
Ombudsman, the Commissioner and the FLSU proactively
promote French language rights in Ontario, engage in
outreach to the Francophone community, and monitor
the implementation of their recommendations. The
Ombudsman and Commissioner are completely independent
of government, political parties, individuals and
interest groups.
Now, you might be thinking, “I speak English, why
should I complain? How will it do any good?” Complaints are
a crucial part of the evidence that the Commissioner and
his team need to properly analyze the issues and formulate
adequate and meaningful recommendations that will ultimately
improve the Ontario government services in French.
The lived experiences of anyone who speaks French
in Ontario, whether they identify as Francophone or not,
are important and relevant, no matter if the issue is big
or small. Contacting the French Language Services Unit is
easy – and your call could help improve services that will
benefit you and thousands of other French speakers.
Improving services in French and protecting language
rights is a collaborative effort. We all play a role in
preserving the diverse cultural heritage of Ontario’s
French-speaking population, so it is worthwhile to speak
up and speak often. No matter when, where or why you
speak French, your voice matters. n
FRISSONNEZ POUR
L’HALLOWEEN
avec Metropolis bleu
metropolisbleu.org/halloween
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 7

Stephen Teong
A Graduate’s Perspective
on Bilingualism
Stephen is a recent graduate of Glendon College,
York University, where he completed a bilingual
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
8 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

My advice to recent graduates from French immersion
programs is to seriously consider diving into further studies
in French or in a bilingual setting. The skills and cultural
knowledge you pick up are super valuable and can really
give you an edge in both your studies and career.
Passionate about the French language
and Francophone culture, Stephen
has actively promoted bilingualism and
fostered a deeper appreciation for linguistic
duality through his various leadership roles,
both at school and in his local community.
As President and Chief Financial Officer
of the Glendon College Student Union
(GCSU), Stephen most notably restructured
the budget to better support bilingual
programs and increase bilingualism in
student life.
Q
What first sparked your interest in
learning French, and how did that
initial connection influence your journey?
A
I first fell in love with French back
in grade school when I joined a
French immersion program. It was like
unlocking a whole new world filled with
exciting challenges and vibrant culture.
That early spark led me to pursue a
bilingual degree at Glendon College, diving
even deeper into the language. It’s shaped
my academic path and career goals, fueling
my passion for promoting bilingualism and
celebrating Francophone culture. Plus, it’s
been incredible to see how this journey
has connected me with so many amazing
people and opportunities.
Q
How did your experience in a
French immersion program prepare
you for advanced studies in French?
A
My time in the French immersion
program gave me a solid base in
the language and a genuine appreciation
for Francophone culture. It set me up
perfectly for the advanced studies I tackled
at Glendon College. Beyond boosting
my language skills, the program showed
me the importance of perseverance and
adaptability—traits that really came in
handy during my bilingual degree. This
strong start has been key to my academic
achievements and career goals, helping
me navigate both with confidence and
enthusiasm.
Q
How has your proficiency in French
contributed to your growth both
personally and professionally?
A
My French skills have really been a
game-changer for me, both
personally and professionally. They’ve
helped me shine in bilingual settings, like
at Glendon College, and take on leadership
roles where I can champion French
culture and language. Professionally, it’s
led to some amazing opportunities, like
managing a French translation team at T&T
Supermarkets during their expansion into
Québec. On a personal level, being bilingual
has opened up my world, giving me a richer
understanding of different cultures and
connecting me with people from all walks
of life.
Q
What motivated you to focus
on promoting bilingualism during
your tenure with the Glendon College
Student Union, and how did you see these
efforts enhancing the visibility of French
language and culture on campus?
A
As president of the Glendon College
Student Union, my top priority was
boosting bilingualism on campus. I was
driven by the idea that both Francophone
and Anglophone students should feel
equally at home. To make that happen, I
pushed hard to get all our union documents
available in French and English, and even
included some Spanish for good measure.
I also snagged extra funding for student
groups to power up bilingual events and
activities. These moves didn’t just put
a spotlight on the French language and
culture—they really brought our campus
community to life, making it more inclusive
and connected.
Q
Looking ahead in your career as a
recent psychology graduate, how
do you envision leveraging your bilingual
abilities to make a difference?
A
As a recent psychology grad, I’m
excited about using my bilingual
skills to break down barriers and connect
with people from different backgrounds.
Whether it’s working in counseling,
community outreach, or even research,
being able to communicate in both French
and English gives me a unique edge. I
want to make mental health support more
accessible to Francophone communities
and help create a more inclusive
environment where language isn’t a hurdle.
It’s all about making sure everyone feels
heard and understood, no matter which
language they speak, or the proficiency to
which they speak it!
Q
What advice would you give to
recent graduates from French
immersion programs who are
contemplating whether to pursue further
studies in French or bilingually?
A
My advice to recent graduates from
French immersion programs is
to seriously consider diving into further
studies in French or in a bilingual setting.
The skills and cultural knowledge you
pick up are super valuable and can really
give you an edge in both your studies and
career. Continuing with French not only
deepens your cultural insights but also
opens up cool opportunities that can be
really rewarding on both personal and
professional levels. In today’s global world,
being bilingual isn’t just a bonus—it’s a
must-have. n
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 9

CPF EVENTS
During the CPF Leaders'
Networking Event IN ST. JOHN'S, NL.
Dr. Kate Ashley
PRESIDENT
Diane Tijman
VICE PRESIDENT
Salma Al-Saquaf
TREASURER
Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson
DIRECTOR
Amy Boudreau
DIRECTOR
Candace Newman
DIRECTOR
10 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

CPF EVENTS
This year’s program offered an opportunity to learn more about
‘two-eyed seeing’ ... and how this may be integrated into organizational
decision-making practices as well as more inclusive and equitable
Branch/Network practices for governance and operations.
During the 48th Annual General Meeting held on July 12 in St. John’s, NL,
Canadian Parents for French announced the appointment of their
new President, Dr. Kate Ashley (Kentville, NS), and Vice President,
Diane Tijman (Richmond, BC), to the National Board of Directors.
Incumbent Directors, Salma Al-Saquaf (Calgary, AB) will return to
serve as Treasurer and Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson (Ottawa, ON) will return
for the second year of her first term. Two new Directors join the
CPF National Board for a two-year term.
We welcome:
n Candace Newman (Ottawa, ON), a parent of two children in French
immersion, who shared their family experience of living in France
and striving to become bilingual. Dr. Newman currently works in
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and brings a strong background
in policy development, working with philanthropic organizations
and lobbying government at all levels.
n Amy Boudreau (Fredericton, NB), a SK French immersion graduate
raising two children currently enrolled in French. Ms. Boudreau
is the Chief Operating Officer for the not-for-profit, LearnSphere
Canada, implementing comprehensive, evidence-based learning
solutions for the workplace. She also brings experience in building
relationships with funding partners at all levels.
The CPF National Annual General Meeting kicked off the
annual CPF Leaders’ Networking Event. This year’s program offered
an opportunity to learn more about ‘two-eyed seeing’ facilitated
by Colleen Paul, Executive Administrator of the Mi’kmaw Cultural
Foundation, NL, and how this may be integrated into organizational
decision-making practices as well as more inclusive and equitable
Branch/Network practices for governance and operations.
Sincere thanks were extended to Outgoing President, Derrek
Bentley (Winnipeg, MB) who served his full term, four years in the
National President role within the eight years on the National Board
of Directors. His leadership has been paramount to the success of
strengthening CPF Network collaborations and optimizing more
inclusive and equitable governance and operational structures
within the pan-Canadian organization for the years to come. n
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 11

CPF BRANCHES
Meet the Recipients
of the CPF Awards of
Recognition for 2024
Last July, at the CPF Leadership Networking Event just after the 48th Annual
General Meeting, Canadian Parents for French conferred the CPF Awards of
Recognition 2024 to three individuals that have rendered significant service
to the organization.
Every two years, CPF formally recognizes individuals that have demonstrated
dedication to the organization's mission, vision, and values through leadership,
advocacy, and collaboration within their respective communities and
across Canada.
These individuals, often noted by their positive influence on others, have also
made significant contributions to advancing bilingualism and French as a
second language education.
12 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

CPF BRANCHES
“Congratulations to all three recipients, it is with committed individuals
like you that we can fulfill our mission of advancing FSL education in
Canada. We remain grateful for our volunteers and professional staff
as we rely on them to deliver quality programs, advocate for French as a
second language and be our first point of contact with parents and students,”
said Kate Ashley, newly elected CPF National President.
The 2024 deserving recipients are:
Sharon Lapkin, of Toronto, ON, is
recipient of the CPF Distinguished Life
Membership for her longstanding service
to the organization. Dr. Lapkin is Emeriti
Faculty of OISE, University of Toronto.
Her research centred on French second
language education in studies including
large-scale evaluations of French
immersion and other intensive formats
of FSL programs, qualitative studies of
language learning in progress, and metaanalyses
of published empirical research
on FSL. She served a six-year term as
Director for Canadian Parents for French,
National co-leading the Network strategic
planning strategy. Sharon is one of our
longest active CPF members. She has
seen CPF through many organizational
developmental stages.
Wendy Carr of Vancouver, BC, is recipient
of the CPF National Volunteer Award, for
her leadership in governance strategy
and service to research within the
organization. Dr. Carr is Professor of
Teaching Emerita of University of British
Columbia. Her research has encompassed
mental health, and inclusive educational
practices in French Language, Literacy
and Teacher Education. She served a
eight-year term as Director for Canadian
Parents for French, National and led the
publication of the practical CPF advocacy
briefs on linguistic security, digital
learning and French in the early years. Her
personal investment and willingness to
share her research expertise and her time
have shaped the organization.
Tanzila Mian, of Mississauga, ON, is
recipient of the CPF J. Elmer Hynes
Staff Excellence in Leadership Award.
As Director of Operations of Canadian
Parents for French Ontario, she has fully
supported innovations at the Branch
and across the Network. Nominators
noted how she is solution focused and
open to organizational change, always
professional in helping colleagues see the
bigger picture, and how each of us can
make CPF better. Ms. Mian served as a
CPF chapter volunteer before being hired;
she has now been employed by CPF for
18 years, always eager to take on new
responsibilities, she has mastered every
role she has taken on, helping the
CPF Ontario Branch thrive in turn
and helping shape direction for the
organization’s future.
Join us in congratulating the three award recipients! Félicitations!
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 13

CPF PROJECTS
Addressing FSL
Teacher Retention
and Attrition
The increased awareness of the
benefits of learning French as
a second language (FSL) has
contributed to the rising enrolment in
FSL programs. Parents wish to offer their
children the opportunity to participate in
the public and cultural life of our bilingual
country, but school jurisdictions across the
country struggle in maintaining a sufficient
supply of qualified FSL teachers to respond
to continually increasing demand for
French immersion programs as well as
more core French and intensive French
program options. Teacher retention is a
critical issue that has profound implications
for the quality of education.
In recognition of the importance of
long-term retention in the FSL profession,
Canadian Parents for French is pleased to
launch More Than Words – an awareness
campaign which complements Ma
Raison d’Ětre. This forward-focused
project features three insightful videos,
each showcasing interviews with key
education decision-makers who share
their perspectives on the sustainable
strategies they implemented to improve
teacher retention.
14 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

CPF PROJECTS
The Importance of Teacher Retention
Implementing retention strategies is crucial for ensuring the success of skilled teachers and, ultimately, the success of
their students. When teachers are well-supported, their ability to deliver a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and stability
to the classroom – which directly impacts student learning and achievement – is greatly enhanced. Their deep understanding
of curriculum, effective teaching strategies, and student needs allows them to create a dynamic and responsive learning
environment. Retention is not just about minimizing turnover; it’s about preserving the high educational standards and
positive school culture that experienced, committed educators help to build and sustain. When FSL teachers are put in
a position to succeed, it leads to a more effective, more fulfilling journey for everyone involved.
9,000
French teachers are
needed across Canada
BY THE NUMBERS
Here are some fast facts about FSL in Canada:
26%
of FSL teachers in Ontario
drop out within the first
five years of employment
40%
increase in French
immersion enrollment
in the last 20 years
Insights from Educational Decision-Makers
The project features 3 videos that address how to improve teacher retention by creating environments where teachers
feel valued, supported, and motivated to continue their careers in education.
Video 1: How Proper Structuring
Can Help FSL Teachers in Canada
Rénald Cousineau, Marline Al Koura, and
Eartha Monard share their experiences
as administrators, and demonstrate how
support for FSL programs starts from the
top. This video underscores how strategies
such as structuring, budget allocation,
open communication, and respect can
validate and improve FSL departments.
Video 2: How Additional Support
Can Help FSL Teachers in Canada
Ryan Furlong and Rola Tibshirani explain
how supporting FSL teachers in schools
can lead to more engaged teachers.
This video delves into how providing
FSL teachers with continuous access
to training, mentorship, and resources
boosts their confidence and effectiveness
in the classroom.
Video 3: How More Inclusion Can
Help FSL Teachers in Canada
Chantal Ross and Léo-James Lévesque
highlight the importance of how inclusion
and proper resourcing can help FSL teachers
feel empowered in their roles. This
video demonstrates how offering spaces
for collaboration, providing support and
resources, and actively listening to your
teachers will improve retention.
TAKE ACTION!
French teacher retention is a growing issue across Canada, as more and more FSL teachers are leaving
their roles due to lack of support from many levels. This project serves as a crucial reminder that investing
in teacher retention is an investment in the future of education. It’s going to take more than words to better
working conditions for FSL teachers and provide them with a responsive, inclusive working environment.
SHARE!
Spread the message across Canada that #WeNeedMoreThanWords to support our French teachers.
Join the movement on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X and tag Canadian Parents for French!
ADVOCATE!
Email your local representative to encourage their support for more sufficient,
targeted funding for French teachers and programs.
Visit SupportFrenchTeachers.ca to learn how you can help! n
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 15

CPF BRANCHES
2024 Camp Soleil
Summer Recap
———— ————
———— ————
This summer, CPF Manitoba traveled across Manitoba, and crafts to competitive team-building exercises, the energy
offering children from all over the province a mix of was infectious. "The flexibility we gave the kids made all the
fun activities, new friendships, and an immersive
difference," shared Caelan, our camp coordinator. "They
French language experience. From swimming at local pools to stayed engaged, had fun, and made lots of new friends."
playing camp games like Mafia, each stop provided a unique
experience filled with learning and excitement.
Morden
In Morden, campers were surrounded by nature and engaged
in outdoor sports. The highlight was a camp-wide scavenger
hunt, where kids worked together to solve clues—all while
practicing their French in a fun, interactive way.
Beausejour
Camp Soleil kicked off in Beausejour with team-building games
and arts & crafts. Older campers took on leadership roles,
guiding the younger ones. "At first, I was nervous," Caelan
admitted, "but seeing how well the kids responded put me
at ease."
Winnipeg
For four incredible weeks, we set up camp at the Glenwood
Community Centre in Winnipeg. Campers enjoyed a variety of
games, creative workshops, and outdoor activities. From arts
16 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024
Swan River
The Swan River stop featured plenty of water-based fun at
the local aquatic center. Campers improved their French
while enjoying games and songs. "The kids loved singing
French songs," Caelan recalled, "and it was a joy to see
them fully embrace the language."

————
CPF BRANCHES
Challenges and Lessons
Reflecting on the camp’s journey, Caelan
acknowledged, "We had some challenges
with the initial schedule being too strict,
but we quickly adapted. Letting the
kids have more control over the pace
made all the difference!" Parents shared
overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting
how much their children enjoyed the
camp and made new friends.
Looking Ahead
Next year’s Camp Soleil promises even
more outdoor activities and deeper
engagement with local communities.
"There’s always more to plan and add,"
Caelan emphasized, excited about the
future of Camp Soleil. n
————
Your child is learning French.
You can too!
Register online!
•Winter session deadline: Jan. 7
In-person & distance learning options.
Learn more at educationplus.ca
Our learner-centred
course material
uses communicative
and theme-based
approaches to
provide a highly
interesting
language learning
experience.
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 17

CPF PROJECTS
Where Are They Now:
Mariah Meilleur
Our latest feature, Mariah Meilleur,
brings a unique and enriching
perspective shaped by her journey with
the French language, cultural heritage, and
personal growth. Her story is not just about
learning a new language, but about how
that journey has opened doors and deepened
connections in various aspects of
her life. With the inclusion of a participant
from Manitoba, we are not only adding a
new regional perspective, but also deepening
our understanding of the notable
experiences and insights that contribute
to the mosaic of our nation.
18 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024
CPF is thrilled to announce a new and exciting addition to our video-based
project, Where Are They Now. The core of our project has always been to
showcase the diverse experiences and viewpoints of individuals from
various backgrounds and regions as it relates to the benefits of French
as a Second Language (FSL) learning.
A Journey Rooted in Family
and Opportunity
Mariah recalls how her parents sought out
and enrolled her in a grade 4 French program
in St. Boniface, Winnipeg with the hope of
fostering academic growth and improving
future outcomes/opportunities. This
decision was pivotal as it provided her with
an unparalleled experience filled with
challenge, fun, and friendship. Having no
prior knowledge of the French language,
Mariah remembers the joy of learning
alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds.
As their class navigated the
language-learning journey together, she
notes the remarkable growth in their FSL
abilities over the course of a singular school
year. Mariah mentions that sharing this
experience with her classmates had not only
made the process enjoyable, but also led to
the development of key friendships that
have lasted over the years.
One of the most touching aspects
of Mariah’s story is how learning French
brought her closer to her grandfather and
heritage. She shares how her grandfather
grew up in a primarily French household;
this connection was a key factor in her

CPF PROJECTS
motivation to complete her studies in a
FSL program. Moreover, as a French-Métis,
Mariah found that learning French also
sparked a deeper connection to her roots.
This experience led her to pick up beadwork,
an Indigenous practice, as a new hobby
during the pandemic. This newfound interest
further strengthened her ties to her cultural
heritage, illustrating how language learning
can intersect with personal identity in
profound ways.
From Classroom
to the World
Her language journey didn’t wrap up after
high school. After finishing her studies in
grade 12, Mariah decided to take a gap year
and travel abroad where she was able to
use her French language skills in real-world
settings. She credits enrollment in a FSL
program for solidifying her cultural agility
and language abilities that provided her with
the confidence and global perspectives she
carries with her today.
Currently, Mariah is a student at
the University of Winnipeg majoring in
Indigenous Studies. She is also enrolled
in French classes to maintain her Frenchlanguage
skills. However, it is imperative
to note that her passion for language has
translated into her professional life as well.
Currently working as a childcare assistant,
Mariah is able to share her love of the French
language with young children through
various learning and play opportunities. She
shares how witnessing future generations
dive into learning the French language
brings her great joy, especially when she
observes the same excitement she experienced
as a child.
In her closing advice, Mariah encourages
others to embrace the opportunities
that come with learning a new language.
She emphasizes that while the journey may
be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding.
The friendships, cultural connections,
and doors that open as a result of French
language learning are experiences she
cherishes and believes everyone should
have the chance to explore.
Looking Ahead
As our project continues to evolve, we invite
you to stay tuned for upcoming videos
featuring new participants across Canada,
and to explore the wealth of content already
available from other regions. Together, we
can continue to learn, grow, and celebrate
the diversity that makes Canada truly exceptional,
with French as a Second Language
(FSL) playing a key role in fostering our
nation's cultural richness. n
To view our selection
of videos, please visit:
WhereAreTheyNow.ca
Université d’Ottawa | University of Ottawa
FRENCH IMMERSION
at uOttawa
The next step in
bilingual education!
• French immersion available in 75 undergraduate programs
• All FSL students are eligible
• Special courses to make the transition to bilingual
university studies
• An extra $1,000 per year for studying bilingually
• An authentic bilingual environment in Canada’s capital
immersion@uOttawa.ca
www.immersion.uOttawa.ca
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024 19

CPF PARTNERS
Postsecondary Studies in
French: A Winning Choice!
French-language postsecondary studies bring several benefits that could
positively impact your children’s path toward a bilingual future. Here are
a few reasons for them to seriously consider enrolling at an institution or
in a program in their field of interest delivered in French.
1
A distinct advantage in the labor market
A high level of proficiency in French is an added value in the
job market, where many of the top Canadian employers
operate in bilingual contexts. French-language study
programs are ideal for students to acquire technical and
professional terminology in French, providing them with a
strategic advantage – especially in highly competitive fields.
2
A key to flourishing professional
and personal lives
Postsecondary studies in French promote sustainable
bilingualism that will be maintained over time. A 2019
Conference Board of Canada report also shows that bilingual
individuals tend to stay in school longer, hold well-paying jobs,
and receive higher wages than their unilingual colleagues.
3
More personalized learning paths
The “human scale” of many French-language programs
allows students to benefit from a highly personalized
academic experience. For instance, smaller class sizes help
students build closer relationships with their professors
and colleagues. Furthermore, the range of services provided and
organized events foster inclusion, integration and the development
of a sense of belonging.
20 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2024

CPF PARTNERS
... the Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language
Program aims to encourage students whose first official language spoken is
English to pursue their postsecondary studies in French ...
4
A diversified student population
French-language programs attract diverse student
profiles from across Canada and international borders,
particularly from French-speaking countries in Africa
and Europe. This diversity enriches students’ experiences, while
nurturing an open and curious mindset toward different cultures
and accents.
5
Incentives that encourage
French-language studies
Postsecondary institutions offer a wide range of
enrollment incentives, such as entrance scholarships
or reduced tuition fees in disciplines affected by
labour shortages.
In addition to these measures, the Bursaries for
Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language
Program administered by the Association des collèges et
universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) and
funded by the Government of Canada, aims to encourage
students whose first official language spoken is English to
pursue their postsecondary studies in French by offering
$3,000 non-renewable bursaries. n
To learn more about the FSL Bursary
Program and its eligibility criteria,
visit: ACUFC.ca/FSLbursaries
$3,000
FSL bursaries to help students
pursue their postsecondary
studies in
French
Learn more:

70%
of principals face
a French teacher
shortage
With more awareness, more respect,
and more support, we can improve
retention and offer a more fulfilling
journey for all.
More confident teachers
mean more successful students.
It takes
SupportFrenchTeachers.ca