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

1965

Saint-Lambert, QC: The French Immersion Experiment

Initiated at the insistence of anglophone parents, the Saint-Lambert, Quebec experiment with French immersion became the inspiration for parents across the country seeking better FSL learning for their children.

1969

The Official Languages Act

English and French were recognized as the official languages of Parliament and all federal institutions, and the position of Commissioner of Official Languages was established.

1970

First Funds for “Bilingualism in Education”

The federal government, through agreements with the provinces, began to provide funding support for minority-official-language education and second-official-language instruction.

1977

Canadian Parents for French is Founded!

Keith Spicer, the first Commissioner of Official Languages, hosted a conference for 28 parents from all 10 provinces who were working within their communities to improve French second language learning. The result was the founding of CPF.

Check out the video about how it all got started HERE!

First News Conference

Founding President Pat Webster announced the formation of CPF and urged the federal government to immediately adopt a charter that would ensure all Canadian children have access to second [official] language instruction.

First Meeting with a Cabinet Minister

Representatives of the fledgling organization met with the Secretary of State for Canada to seek funding for its earliest initiatives. (In 1996 many of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State were transferred to the new cabinet position of Minister of Canadian Heritage.)

First Issue of CPF’s National Newsletter

Keith Spicer

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.

First National Conference

Held in October 1977, the conference was attended by more than 60 parents from across the country. Speakers addressed topics including national unity, FSL research results, and FSL program materials. The first Board of Directors was established, the goals of the organization confirmed, and ambitious resolutions passed.

1978

First Canadian Directory of Summer Programs

National newsletter #3 featured the first Canadian directory of exchange programs, summer camps, and summer language classes.

First Guide to Funding for FSL

National newsletter #4 featured the first comprehensive overview for parents of federal and provincial funding for FSL education.

1979

Campaign to Influence Federal-Provincial FSL Funding Negotiations

A national newsletter article alerted CPF members to a stalemate in negotiations for a new “bilingualism in education funding” agreement, and urged branches and chapters to add their voices to the efforts being made nationally to ensure continued and improved funding. A new agreement was finally signed in December 1983. As each subsequent multi-year agreement expired, CPF put pressure on the federal government and the Council of Ministers of Education for Canada not to delay a renewal to the point that local school board planning was adversely affected.

First Canadian Bibliography of FSL Research

CPF published the annotated Bibliography of Articles and Books on Bilingualism in Education. Since then, CPF has kept members and others informed of research into FSL learning and bilingualism through its newsletters, books, pamphlets, and, later, the website.

First Article on Core French

National newsletter #7 discussed the reasons for disappointing results from core French and suggested solutions.

First Research Study

CPF undertook an investigation on why parents want their children to learn French, their expectations of FSL programs, and related questions.

First Book Published

So You Want Your Child to Learn French! was the first book to offer information to parents across Canada who wanted their children to learn French.

First Article on the Suitability of Immersion for All Students

One of the articles in CPF’s first book reviewed the research to date on the suitability of French immersion for students experiencing a variety of learning challenges.

1980

First Pamphlet Published

“How to be an Immersion Parent” was adapted from a pamphlet prepared by the British Columbia Branch.

First Directory of Immersion Programs

With information gathered by CPF volunteers throughout the country, CPF prepared the first Canadian directory of French immersion programs. From 1982 to 1996 it was published annually as The CPF Immersion Registry. Beginning in 2001, CPF provided a searchable directory of immersion and extended core French programs on its website.

Call for a National Clearinghouse of Information on Second-Language

An article in the national newsletter highlighted efforts to have a central repository of information on second-language teaching established. CPF collaborated in this campaign with a number of other national organizations. In 1985 the Department of the Secretary of State for Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada launched the Canadian Language Information Network.

1981

Postsecondary Campaign

Articles in the national newsletter signaled the beginning of a multi-year campaign to improve FSL teacher training and postsecondary opportunities for immersion graduates to continue to improve their French. A series of regional conferences culminated in a national colloquium in March 1986. Subsequent efforts included a brief to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in 1991.

First Meeting with the CMEC

CPF representatives met with the Liaison Committee of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.

First Speech by a Federal Cabinet Minister at a CPF Conference

The Secretary of State for Canada addressed delegates at the national conference banquet.

1982

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Established the right for official language minorities to be educated in their mother tongue, but did not grant any right for children to learn their second official language.

First School Board Mailout

An information package of CPF materials was sent to all school boards offering immersion, provincial education departments, and faculty of education libraries.

Launch of the CPF Book Club

French-language books for children were advertised in the CPF newsletter for parents to order through the national office. Over the years CPF has provided a variety of opportunities, either through the office or directly from publishers, for parents to order resources suitable for FSL learners.

1983

Booklet for Immersion Students is Published

Co-sponsored and widely promoted by CPF, French Immersion: The Trial Balloon That Flew was published by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education to encourage FI students in grades 6-9 to continue learning French.

1984

First National Public Opinion Poll

Conducted for CPF by Gallup, the poll asked about attitudes toward children learning French. Further surveys were done for CPF in 1989 and 1992 by Environics and in 1995 and 2000 by COMPAS.

First Joint Policy Statement

CPF and the Fédération des Francophones hors Québec signed a statement regarding mutual cooperation in achieving their objectives and calling on governments and others to improve minority language education and FSL instruction.

1985

First Vice-Regal Patrons

CPF received the patronage of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé, Governor General of Canada, and the Honourable Maurice Sauvé.

First CPF Festival D’Art Oratoire

In the spring of 1985 CPF took on responsibility for hosting this national non-competitive oratorical Festival for French first- and second-language students, while the CPF chapters and branches organized Concours d’art oratoire “speak-offs.” The Festival was held each year until 1995.

Directory of Core French Programs

“Core French in Canada, Volume 1: A Survey of Programs” was a directory of school districts meeting or attempting to meet the new criteria for a successful program. This was followed by “Volume 2: A Guide to Resources,” a collection of articles about efforts by education departments and school districts to improve their programs.

Second Book Published

More French, s’il vous plaît! focused on information for parents whose children were enrolled in FSL programs.

1986

First Multi-Media Campaign

Launch of the “Making Choices Makes a World of Difference” campaign. It included public service print ads, television spots, radio announcements, bus cards, an information pamphlet, a speaking tour by the CPF President, and events organized by branches and local chapters.

First International Presentation

The CPF President was invited to San Diego, California, to speak to an association of parents interested in English-Spanish bilingualism. The 1998 President went to Wales to present a paper at the Fourth European Conference on Immersion Programmes, and the 2002 President addressed the Education and Life Long Learning Committee of the National Assembly of Wales. CPF has also been visited by international delegations seeking information on parental support for language learning.

First Brief to a Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages

CPF leaders made a presentation to the Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages, urging that federal funding support of FSL programs be continued. CPF has since appeared many times before parliamentary committees on official languages.

1987

CPF Consulted on the Official Languages Act

At the invitation of the Secretary of State, CPF was consulted regarding the drafting of a new Official Languages Act. Then, in the spring of 1988, Canadian Parents for French presented a brief to the Legislative Committee of the House of Commons regarding Bill C-72 – the proposed new Official Languages Act.

Presentation: The Meech Lake Accord

CPF presented a brief to the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Commons regarding the 1987 Constitutional (Meech Lake) Accord.

Guide to the Administration of Immersion Programs

“French Immersion in Canada: Policies, Regulations, Procedures & Guidelines” was a collection of information from education departments and school districts on topics ranging from advisory committees to transportation.

1988

“Rendez-Vous Canada” Youth Meetings

The Saskatchewan branch hosted the first in a series of provincial activity-filled weekends in French for grade 7 and 8 immersion and francophone students, funded by a grant obtained by CPF.

New Official Languages Act

The new Act mandated by the Minister of Canadian Heritage to “encourage and support the learning of English and French in Canada,” to “encourage and assist provincial governments to provide opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn both English and French,” and more.

1989

“Learning French Matters” Public Awareness Campaign

CPF Studies FSL Teacher Shortage

CPF surveyed school boards about their need for FSL teachers, reporting in the fall newsletter on the results and efforts to find a solution. A second survey, done in 2002, was the focus of that year’s State of FSL report. This has been the topic of numerous CPF articles, meetings, and other efforts over the years.

1990

Crisis Kits

These provided facts for use by local chapters in responding to frequently-heard claims against bilingualism and French-second-language learning.

Third Book Published

The second revised edition of So You Want Your Child to Learn French! reflected advances in FSL education and research since 1979.

First Video Launched

CPF launched its first video A Wider Vision – Elargir ses horizons.

Support for Canadian Unity

CPF was the only English-speaking organization from outside Quebec to appear before the Belanger-Campeau Commission on Quebec’s Political and Constitutional Future. The President told the commissioners about the growing number of Canadians whose children were learning French as a second language because they believed in the value of French in Canada. Among many subsequent activities, CPF presented a brief to the Citizens’ Forum on Canada’s Future and appeared before the Special Joint Committee on a Renewed Canada.

1991

Language Commissioner Praises CPF Members

Commissioner of Official Languages D’Iberville Fortier stated, “The energy, intelligence, and courage of CPF members have made it a movement that has been one of the greatest contributors to the future of their children and of their country.”

Release of Study on Attrition/Retention of Immersion Students

The CPF-commissioned study “Attrition/retention of students in French immersion with particular emphasis on secondary school” was released. Among follow-up activities was a series of branch conferences on “Meeting the Challenges of Secondary School French Programs” that culminated in a session at the 1993 national conference and a report with recommendations.

1992

CPF Attends Constitutional Discussions

CPF leaders and official language minority leaders participated in discussion sessions with the Minister of Constitutional Affairs and the Secretary of State for Canada.

“Learning French Makes a World of Difference” Awareness Campaign

1993

First National Writing Contest

CPF co-sponsored the “Write it up!” contest for 10- to 13-year-olds in collaboration with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers, and the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers. Later national CPF contests included different age groups, extended beyond print to digital and social media, and involved teams as well as individuals.

1995

CPF Responds to Criticism

The CPF President participated in a forum on French immersion, debating adamant critics of the program. This followed several years of high-profile, sometimes virulent public opposition by several individuals and organizations to immersion, CPF, and bilingualism. Throughout the 1990s, CPF responded by calmly referring to the long-standing, careful research into FSL learning.

National Public Awareness Campaign

Beginning of the 1995-96 information and awareness campaign Learning English and French Opens Doors to Tomorrow, which featured the “Proud of Two Languages / Nos deux langues, notre fierté” slogan and graphic. It included a cross-Canada media tour by the President and the launch of the Proud of Two Languages video.

1996

First “Canadian Experience”

A special session of the Encounters with Canada program at the Terry Fox Centre in Ottawa was reserved for students from CPF member families.

1997

First CPF Website is Launched

1998

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Praises CPF

In a letter to our President, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce wrote that CPF “is one [creative organization] that has for two decades enthusiastically worked for an increasing accessibility to French, Canada’s second most-spoken language, in schooling across the country. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses this special and beneficial work of CPF to enhance French language education opportunities and experiences for young Canadians of non-francophone background.”

Participation in National Symposium

CPF representatives participated in a National Symposium on Canada’s Official Languages hosted by the federal government to explore how best to advance Canada’s official languages as the 21^st century approached.

Governor General Praises CPF

During a reception at Rideau Hall in honour of CPF, His Excellency the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada, stated: “CPF has changed the face of education in Canada.”

1999

CPF Participates in Les Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne

60 children of CPF members aged 15-18 formed the only pan-Canadian francophile team to participate in sports, arts, and leadership training events at the first Les jeux de la francophonie canadienne.

2000

Members Introduced to Intensive Core French

An article in the national newsletter explained this new approach, designed to enhance the communicative competence of core French students.

The first conference

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).

CPF Releases Its First Report on the State of FSL in Canada

The first State of French-Second-Language Education in Canada report gave an assessment of the support systems for FSL education across Canada. The report evolved over the years to focus on research conducted by CPF into “unresolved issues.” It was discontinued after 2012, but three special “State of FSL” reports, focusing on students, teachers, and programs, were produced in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

2001

“Helping Your Child Become Bilingual”

This booklet, packed with tips and ideas to help their children become bilingual, was distributed to new and renewing CPF members.

The CPF School Self-Assessment Tool

First published in the 2001 State of FSL report, this instrument was designed for cooperative use by principals, teachers, parents, and students to profile the strengths and weaknesses of a school’s core French or immersion program.

2003

I’m Learning/Staying in French Because…

CPF launched a multi-media promotional campaign, with ten national French first- and second-language partners.

National Concours D’Art Oratoire

CPF began a national public speaking competition for French first- and second-language senior high school students.

2004

National Symposium with OCOL

Vision and Challenges for the 21st Century was held by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages in partnership with CPF and Canadian Heritage to develop a strategy to double the number of young Canadians knowing their second official language. Then, following a series of branch stakeholder consultations, CPF hosted an FSL National Stakeholders’ Forum to share the resulting recommendations.

I’m Teaching French Because…

The promotional campaign encouraged senior high school and postsecondary students to consider a career as an FSL teacher.

2005

CPF Receives Francophone Prize

CPF was awarded the Prix d’excellence Lyse-Daniels 2005 by Impératif français, a French-first-language and culture advocacy group.

Peer Tutoring Literacy Program

Designed by a Vancouver teacher and published and circulated by CPF, this program had student tutors in grades 5-7 working with grade 2 and 3 immersion students needing extra French reading support. A teacher coordinator was assisted by parent volunteers who helped with administration and supervision.

2006

Survey of Former Immersion Students

CPF released the findings of a survey of over 400 university students who had completed elementary immersion programs. Based on their retrospective views, the report included recommendations for encouraging students to continue studying French throughout high school and at the postsecondary level.

Information for FSL Graduates

CPF developed an inventory of postsecondary programs as well as academic and social supports available for FSL students wanting to pursue further studies in French.

2007

FSL Partner Network Recognized

The Department of Canadian Heritage officially recognized the FSL Partner Network, established as a collective voice to promote and advance FSL education in Canada. In addition to collaborating on various efforts, the network was positioned to act as a resource to the Government of Canada. Members were CPF, the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers, the Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers, French for the Future, and the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (now Experiences Canada).

Campaign Aimed at Preschool Parents

To increase awareness of the benefits of FSL learning, CPF developed the brochure “I want my child to be….” as well as print advertisements and the CPF Early Childhood Activity Book. The activity book was later made available in 10 international languages.

2008

Position Statements Announced

CPF adopted formal position statements regarding equitable access to FSL programs, quality FSL programs, a range of entry points and program choices, and shared responsibility for FSL education. Previously CPF had articulated a position on national FSL proficiency testing. These were later consolidated into four statements.

Survey of Supervisors of Bilingual Employees

CPF released the results of a survey by Ipsos Reid of 500 supervisors of bilingual employees outside Quebec regarding the nature of the job market.

2009

Promotional Video Launched

I Want to Become Bilingual Because… featured students sharing the reasons they were learning French.

2010

CPF Joins the World of Social Media

CPF joined Facebook and Twitter and also began to transition to a digital newsletter.

In 2013 CPF joined YouTube and in 2016 it launched an Instagram account.

Study of Immigrant Student Access to and Perspectives on French Second Language Education

Release of the CPF-commissioned study “Voices of Allophone Adults and Allophone University Students: Perspectives and Experiences with French as a Second Language.”

2012

Roundtable on Academically Challenged Students in FSL Programs

Hosted by CPF, representatives from federal and provincial governments, national associations, school districts, and learning disabilities associations heard presentations by researchers and educators and then generated recommendations, which were published in the 2012 State of FSL report.

2013

Launch of CPF Magazine

A new national magazine replaced the CPF National News.

2014

“O Canada!”

A musical tour is launched and provides 125 workshops to over 4,725 students.

2016

Where Are They Now?

Based on a project initiated by the British Columbia & Yukon Branch, CPF established a website (www.WhereAreTheyNow.ca) featuring the stories of FSL graduates from throughout the country about how bilingualism enriched their lives.

First Awareness Breakfast on Parliament Hill

In collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, CPF hosted its first “French Second Language Awareness Breakfast on the Hill” with parliamentarians, key contacts, stakeholders, and members of the second language education community.

CPF Receives the 2016 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Linguistic Duality

Commissioner of Official Languages Graham Fraser presented CPF with his 2016 award in recognition of “its exceptional work in the area of research and promotion, for providing opportunities for young Canadians to learn French in school and communities and supporting their sometimes unilingual parents, and for respecting French as an integral part of Canada.”

2018

Linguistic Duality Network Established

The Linguistic Duality Network was established by Canadian Parents for French, French for the Future, and the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue. It created a unified voice for anglophones, francophones, and bilinguals who want to use and fully appreciate the linguistic minority language and culture in their respective communities across Canada.

2019

FrenchStreet.ca is Launched

CPF launched an online one-stop-shop of French experiences and cultural opportunities in Canada of interest to FSL students, their parents, and their educators.

2020

CPF Supports Students & Parents During Pandemic

In order to support FSL students learning online because the COVID-19 pandemic had closed their classrooms, CPF undertook a number of initiatives. For example, over 400 French-speaking volunteers provided weekly tutoring sessions for students aged 6-14. Instead of the annual Concours d’art oratoire, there were Concours virtuel, with students submitting videos about how the pandemic had changed their lives. CPF also began to offer webinars and virtual training opportunities for parents and volunteers, including its first National Virtual Conference in October 2020.

“Be Brave, Speak French”

CPF released this report addressing the insecurity experienced by some French language learners and speakers, its impact on students and teachers, and recommendations to build linguistic security.

2021

CPF Consulted on Update to the Official Languages Act

CPF representatives met with the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages to discuss proposed changes to the Official Languages Act.

Third

This original small group of concerned parents who met in Ottawa over 30 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.