(Ottawa ) The future of the French language in the country is largely linked to the prosperity of Francophone businesses that do business in a minority setting.
Posted yesterday at 4:39 p.m.
These companies play a leading role in the integration of French-speaking immigrants who settle in the regions and in the establishment of childcare services, says Jean-Guy Bigeau, President and CEO of the Réseau de Economic Development and Employability Canada (RDÉE Canada).
Considered the “economic arm” of Francophone minority communities, RDÉE Canada, which has existed for 25 years, will hold a national summit in Ottawa on Wednesday and Thursday. The objective is to take stock of the situation, after two years of pandemic, and to establish a national roadmap for the next decade in order to allow French-speaking businesses to consolidate their achievements and to shine more.
In all, there are some 430,000 Francophone businesses located in minority communities – a critical mass that represents nearly 20% of GDP and generates more than $130 billion in economic spinoffs outside Quebec. Result: Francophone communities want to be a pillar of economic recovery.
“Francophone companies that provide services in French to their customers, this ensures the sustainability of the French language in Francophone communities in minority settings,” Mr. Bigeau certified in an interview with The Press.
He added that the government of Quebec, and the federal government, which are concerned about the decline of French in the country, must therefore see French-speaking businesses as allies.
” Absolutely ! In various areas such as immigration, tourism and even the file of early childhood, we are very involved across the country. Francophone immigration, and ensuring the economic integration of newcomers into our communities by offering them jobs, ensures a continuous Francophone presence,” he analyzed.
However, Mr. Bigeau considers it essential that the federal government, when it promotes tourism abroad, do so systematically in both official languages.
“We have a lot of tourism businesses that offer services in French in several regions of the country.”
Mr. Bigeau is delighted to see that the Quebec government is one of the partners in organizing the summit, in addition to companies such as CN, Air Canada, Power Corporation, Aecon Group, TACT and the Government of Canada.
During the summit, which will bring together some 175 participants, an exhaustive study conducted over the past few years on the labor needs of businesses will also be unveiled during the summit.
“As is the case across the country, one of the big issues is the labor shortage. Businesses are having difficulty hiring and retaining skilled labor to meet their needs. But there is also access to capital. It is also a major challenge for companies. We will address these issues during the summit,” said Mr. Bigeau.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier will address participants during the summit, as will Official Languages Commissioner Raymond Théberge. Former Quebec Minister of Culture and Protection of the French Language, Luc Fortin, will act as master of ceremonies.