In 1977, Keith Spicer was serving as Canada’s first-ever Commissioner of Official Languages. Interested in the bilingualism of Canada’s youth, he met with groups of parents across Canada who wanted their children to learn French as a second language (FSL) but who ran into roadblocks at the local school boards.
To get the ball rolling, Mr. Spicer offered to find some seed money—enough to organize a national conference of like-minded parents. The result was an event called “Parents’ Conference on French Language and Exchange Opportunities,” which took place in Ottawa in March of 1977. It was during this weekend-long conference that Canadian Parents for French was officially founded as a volunteer-based advocacy group, a collective of parents who wanted to ensure that children would have the opportunity to become bilingual in the Canadian school system.
The first conference determined a few things that are fundamental to the history of CPF. The group outlined its goals and elected its first National Board of Directors, led by inaugural president Pat Webster of Ontario. Her fellow directors were Judith Madley (British Columbia), David Sanders (Prairie Region), Elizabeth Annesley (Quebec), and Mary Lou Morrison (Atlantic Region).
This original small group of concerned parents who met in Ottawa over 40 years ago has evolved into a proactive national network with 12 Branches and Offices and some 150 Chapters in communities coast to coast to coast.
CPF Milestones
Come with us on a journey through time! Discover the beginnings of Canadian Parents for French, learn about our leading accomplishments over the last 40+ years, and follow the winding road of our quest to change the face of education in Canada.
Timeline
Addressing Charges of Social Class Elitism
Many people assume that enrolling their child in a French Immersion program is a costly choice but... it's not as expensive as you think. Check out this research to find out more!
Helping Your Child Become Bilingual
As a committed parent you want to do all you can to support and encourage your child’s French as a second language learning. CPF is proud to share a wealth of information and tips that will help you and your children to get the most out of Canada’s world-renowned French as a second language education. Visitors are welcome to peruse a sampler of this brochure. Members, please sign in to view the full document.
CPF National Online Event- Family Kahoot Gameshow!
Our next cross-Canada Kahoot interactive gameshow-en français is on November 14th! Team up with members of your family, with parent and child working together to answer trivia questions and solve puzzles. A great way to show your French second language learner that French is more than just another class in school, it's a fun part of your family's day.
Fulfill Your RAISON D’ÊTRE with a Career Teaching French
Teaching is about making a difference and impacting the lives of your students for the better. Teaching in French is no different. Embrace your raison d’être and spend every single day setting your students up for success, growing as a teacher, and opening eyes to the importance of the French language
Canadian Parents for French Acknowledges Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery
Canadian Parents for French would like to thank and recognize every teacher that contributes and impacts our lives as we observe World Teachers’ Day 2021.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 2021
I In honour of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadian Parents for French is encouraging our members and their families to wear orange to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities.
Canadian Parents for French BC & YK is hiring!
Are you a digital storyteller? We'd love to meet you and learn how you can help us connect with students, families and CPF members/volunteers across British Columbia and Yukon. Send send us your resume for the position Digital Media Coordinator before October 8th.
CPF’s Annual Performance Report – Quite Possibly Our Busiest Year Ever!
Together, we made it work! As the world entered a pandemic we had to change and adapt to meet the challenge. Take a look at what our cross-Canada network was able to achieve during a challenging year.
The Great Canadian (Virtual) Roadtrip
Get to know the characters that shaped our nation and connect with our country’s history, culture, spirit of adventure and innovation. No need to pack your bags and load up the car for this road trip... you and your family can visit Canada from coast to coast to coast virtually and better yet, en français! Members, to view this content, please login.
Canadian Parents for French Announces a New Director to the National Board
During the 45th Annual General Meeting, Larry Vaters from Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador was elected as a new Director of the National Board. He also accepted to serve as the volunteer Treasurer.
Come with us on a journey through time! Discover the beginnings of Canadian Parents for French, learn about our leading accomplishments over the last 40+ years, and follow the winding road of our quest to change the face of education in Canada
CPF recognizes individuals who have rendered significant service to the organization and who have demonstrated leadership in the advancement of French second language education.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS AND TO NOMINATE FOR 2022 AWARDS.
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