In 2022, nearly half of the daily French speakers reside in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, while 31.2% are in Europe and 14.6% in North Africa and the Middle East, showcasing adynamic linguistic presence worldwide.
With 10.7 million speakers recorded in 2021, Canada is home to a diverse Francophone community, with 7.8 million considering French their first official spoken language. Outside Quebec, the term "Francophone" takes on a particular meaning, describing communities where French coexist with English or linguistic minority communities, such as that of British Columbia.
The Francophone presence in British Columbia dates back to the early days of colonization in the Pacific North west in the 19th century. Despite fluctuations due to the goldrush and the province's establishment in 1858, the Francophone community persisted throughout the 20th century, advocating for recognition, particularly in terms of school rights.
According to the 2021Census by Statistics Canada, 6.6% of the population speaks French in British Columbia, and 32% of the French-speaking individuals in the province were born abroad.
Committed to connecting the Francophone community, Le Relais Francophone organizes visits to key Francophone organizations and places in Greater Vancouver. It's a unique opportunity to explore cultural richness and available resources.
The vitality of the Francophone community in British Columbia is demonstrated by its dynamism and significant contribution to intellectual, cultural, and economic fields. Its members actively participate in political life, legislative bodies, municipal structures, financial domains, and even school leadership. It is defined by the following values:
We celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity as our strength. Welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, we form a vibrant and inclusive community.
Every individual has a place within the Francophone community. We actively work to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their origins, journey, or mother tongue.
Founded on mutual support, our community forges lasting bonds that strengthen our social fabric. We believe in the power of collaboration and building solidarity that transcends barriers, making our community a welcoming place where everyone can thrive fully.
Committed to connectingthe Francophone community, the Relais Francophone organizes visits to keyFrancophone organizations and places in Greater Vancouver. It's a uniqueopportunity to explore cultural richness and available resources.
