Claude retired from a 30-year career as an active public school teacher nine years ago. During his happy years in that profession, he worked mainly in the grade 1 to 9 area and served in the last 14 years as an administrator. Although the teaching of French (core and immersion) took up most of his career, he also taught all the subjects usually found in the elementary school curriculum.
Claude has been an advocate of French for most of his life. This persuasion surfaced after his graduation from high school when he noticed the use of his native Acadian language deteriorating in his home area of northern Maine. That, coupled with his father’s campaign to preserve his language and culture amidst the
everencroaching English media, set the wheels into motion for a life-long commitment. As a result of his
crusade, he and his wife, Julie, saw to it that their five children finished their high school years with a French Immersion Certificate. The latter have followed their parents’ determination by enrolling their children in French immersion or French schools.
Having known about Canadian Parents for French since benefitting from a local chapter’s efforts as a teacher, Claude was asked to join the CPF PEI Board of Directors six years ago and has served as its Vice-President and President. He is currently serving as Past President. His knowledge of the school system and his ability to communicate in both official languages has had Claude representing CPF PEI on numerous occasions, whether speaking to teachers, principals, superintendents or even government Ministers. As well, he has moderated a number of meetings between stakeholders and the French community.
A life-long volunteer, Claude has served as: Treasurer of Serena Canada’s National Board of Directors; State Deputy of the PEI Knights of Columbus; National President of the Canadian Knights of Columbus; National President of the Canadian Catholic Conference of Lay Associations; and member of the St. Dunstan’s University Board of Governors. He is presently President of the Stratford (PEI) Community Choir. During his spare time, Claude sings, keeps researching his family tree, loves to tinker around the house, and does maintenance work for others through his company, CL’ODD JOBS.
Claude’s commitment to his native language and culture is undeniable. His support and promotion of the principles that guide the work of Canadian Parents for French cannot be questioned. His primary reason for his involvement in this organization is to guarantee that his grandchildren, and others, will have the opportunity to attain an appreciation of the richness of the French culture which he inherited from his Quebec and Acadian ancestors. He hopes his nomination to the National Board will provide him with a better knowledge of how to achieve these ideals. One thing is certain; he will be working for all of Canada while on the Board!
