Connecting Communities through DiverCity
The Greater Montreal Community Development Initiative (GMCDI) is hosting a series of conferences entitled: DiverCity: Connecting Communities through Conversations
The purpose of these conferences, which will be held in March, is to engage various cultural communities and sectors in discussion, to raise awareness around belonging to an Official Language Minority Community and to mobilize English-speaking communities to work on common challenges together. For more information, please visit http://qcgn.ca/greatermontrealinitiative
Vitality of English-speaking Quebec at stake
QCGN pleads for caution in finding right remedy for Bill 104
Wednesday, March 4, 2010 - In light of the opinion made public today by the Conseil Supérieur de la langue française, the Quebec Community Groups Network is worried about legislative measures that could adversely affect the short- and long-term viability of our institutions, including our schools. While we agree with the Conseil’s opinion that the primacy of the French language and social cohesion in Quebec must be maintained, the government must take into account the impact that implementing the Conseil’s recommendation would have on the English-speaking community.
We know the government of Quebec must apply the Supreme Court ruling on Bill 104 and we see the difficulty in finding a solution that will satisfy the Supreme Court justices, Francophones who are concerned about the survival of their language, and English-speaking Quebecers who are worried about the future of English schools. However, we question if the prescription the Conseil suggests is stronger medicine than what is needed to cure the problem. Read full press release here.
QCGN reacts to Throne Speech
English-speaking Quebecers need to be recognized as a valued part of Quebec and Canada
Montreal, March 4, 2010 - Following yesterday’s Throne Speech, the linguistic minority of Quebec feels invisible.
English-speaking Quebecers are one of the two national linguistic minorities recognized in Canada. We are the largest linguistic minority within a linguistic minority in the country. We possess strong relationships and ties to our fellow Québécois citizens, the francophone majority outside Quebec, as we do to all Canadians. Then why do we feel left out?
We live linguistic duality every day. We have the highest level of bilingualism in the country. Yet, when the government discussed linguistic duality in the Throne Speech yesterday, it pledged only to further strengthen Canada’s francophone identity. While we strongly support Francophones in Quebec and in Canada, English-speaking Quebecers also want to feel secure in their own identity. Read full press release here.
Literacy Volunteers of Quebec seeking project agent
Literacy Volunteers of Quebec, the voice of volunteer-based community literacy for English-speaking adult Quebecers, is looking for an individual to carry out a project on measuring non-academic progress in adult literacy learners. For information, or to apply, contact info@literacyvolunteersqc.ca or call 450-243-5346 or click here. Deadline extended to March 19. For more information, click here.
ELAN Launches New Program: Mentorship for Artists
Ever since ELAN was created, our emerging artist members have been asking for a one-on-one mentorship program. With assistance from the Quebec Community Groups Network, ELAN has been able to work with Atif Siddiqi to define the project's scope and recruit experienced mentors. We are happy to launch ELAN's Mentorship for Artists Program.
The ELAN Mentorship for Artists Program is designed to facilitate the success of artists by providing them knowledge and expertise they need to make good creative and business decisions. Over a six-month period, established artist mentors will support, guide and encourage emerging artists who have demonstrated a commitment to their practice. Participating artists will work toward achieving specific goals established at the start of the mentoring relationship. The program aims to create a mutually supportive community of artists that can exchange valuable knowledge and critical feedback.
For more details, click here.
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