Francophones in B.C. to receive more support, province says
Posted November 4, 2023 12:26 pm.
French-speaking residents in B.C. will receive more support following an investment by the provincial government.
Three provincial non-profits will receive a total of $250,000 to enhance services and resources for French-speaking residents.
The initiatives bolstered by the funding will be specifically directed towards youth, newcomers who belong to racial minorities and seniors.
“We are pleased to work with these community organizations to deliver province-wide support to French-speaking residents,” said Adrian Dix, the minister of health and the minister responsible for francophone affairs.
“We are committed to inclusivity, and continue to invest in initiatives that promote equity and services that recognize the diversity of British Columbia.”
Conseil Jeunesse Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique will receive $66,000 of the funding to put towards its youth mentoring program. The initiative aims to connect French-speaking youth with francophone non-profits and educational institutions to participate in volunteer activities and foster a sense of belonging, according to the province.
La Cooperative du Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique will receive $94,000 of the funding to increase the inclusion of francophone racial minorities in the labour market. B.C. says this initiative will enhance job prospects for francophone racial minorities in B.C. by addressing discrimination in the workforce and assisting in their job search.
Carrefour 50+ will receive $90,000 of the funding to help connect senior French-speaking residents with paramedical service providers who can speak to them in French. B.C. says this initiative will help francophone seniors who want to age at home receive the paramedical support they require to do so.
The province says $1.5 million has been distributed over the past six years to support the francophone community.
