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
Liberals Table Bill to Protect French in Sweeping Update to Official Languages Act
Bill C-32, introduced on June 2021, attempts to amend the Official Languages Act to reflect the contemporary political/linguistic landscape in Canada and protect language rights.
Canadian Parents for French Announces the Winners of Concours d’art oratoire, Video Edition
We are announcing the winners of our public speaking competition, Concours d'art oratoire!
Major Investment in Postsecondary Studies in French at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia
The Canadian government has released a plan to heavily invest in French postsecondary education programs to meet increasing demand from both students and the professional world. As part of the effort to revitalize the Official Languages Act, the government will invest roughly 121 million between 2021 and 2024 in making French programs more accessible. This investment will primarily go towards boosting the capacity of existing programs.
Academically Challenged Students
Academically Challenged Students – Parent Advocates Academically Challenged Students – Parents Academically Challenged Students and French Second Language Education – Research Bibliography Academically Challenged Students for Educators (FSL Teachers) Academically Challenged Students – Media
Allophones, New Canadians, Immigrant Students
Immigrant Students and French Second Language Education – Research Bibliography
Enrollment of Non-Right Holders in FL1 Schools
This page is under construction. Come back and see us soon for great resources that will help you support the French second language learners in your life-and advocate for them too!
Employment Benefits of Bilingualism
Check out some great employment resources that will help you support the French second language learners in your life-and advocate for them too!
Learning French, Cultures, and Socio-Cultural Opportunities Beyond the School
Empathy and Intercultural Communication Competence – CPF Magazine Article Importance of Culture in Second Language Training and Learning – Research Bibliography The Benefits of Extra Curricular Second Language Experiences for your Child Importance of Extra Curricular Activities – Research Bibliography
French Immersion Programs FAQs (merits, student performance, math in French)
Stats Can French Immersion Paper Feb 2024 Comparison of Student Performance in EFI & Partial Immersion Programs – Research Bibliography Comparison of Student Attitudes and Performance in Immersion Centres and Dual Track Schools – Research Bibliography Merits of Early French […]
FSL Programs other than French Immersion (merits of core French, intensive (core) French)
This page is under construction. Come back and see us soon for great resources that will help you support the French second language learners in your life-and advocate for them too!
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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