French language consultation underway in the north
It was a packed room in Sudbury this week as the city's French community came out to air their issues.
They were invited to attend a consultation organized by Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, as the federal government continues its cross-country tour to update the Action Plan on Official Languages.
"Individuals had an opportunity to tell the federal government where do you think the federal government should be going over the next five years to support the French-language, to support the communities, support individuals and organizations," said Serré.
Franco-Ontariens make up roughly a tenth of the province's population but here in Sudbury, almost 39 per cent of the city is bilingual.
People like Jean-Gilles Pelletier, who not only attended the consultation, but runs the new Place des Arts.
"It's an important consultation -- my sense is that it's not the last word on this," said Pelletier.
He said a lot has been done in Sudbury to promote the French culture but more could be done.
College Boreal also had a seat at the table.
"Well it's incredibly important -- the action plan is sort of the framework for funding a number of different programs which then reach out to a number of different," said Marc Despatie, manager of communications.
"We can't do this alone, we need municipalities, we need the provinces to work together to make sure we can make this happen," said Serré.
Ottawa's current action plan expires next year.
Next week, consultation continues in the Arctic before it moves into Atlantic Canada.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.