Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and Responsible for Francophone Affairs, celebrated the 19th annual B.C. Francophonie Day with the francophone community.

Since 2002, the Province has proclaimed March 20 as B.C. Francophonie Day, in recognition of the social, economic and cultural contributions francophones and francophiles have made in British Columbia.

The theme of this year’s B.C. Francophonie Day is « Aller bien au-delà en temps de pandémie » (Going Beyond in Time of Pandemic).

“While we grappled with a global outbreak, our francophone community was resilient and agile in coming up with innovative solutions to deliver services and programs in French,” Dix said. “I am proud of the dedication, commitment and contributions made by our French-speaking citizens to ensure people have the information and resources they need during this COVID-19 pandemic.”

At today’s virtual celebration, Dix presented a commemorative plaque to La Boussole Centre Communautaire Francophone in recognition of the work it does in breaking down barriers and serving francophones in need. During the pandemic, La Boussole adapted its services to adhere to public health orders and guidelines and developed new projects to help some of the province’s most vulnerable people.

“As a francophone social service provider in Greater Vancouver, La Boussole is invaluable in assisting those who need help in accessing vital social services,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “I thank them for removing the language barrier for francophones.”

Louise Chaynes, executive director, La Boussole Centre Communautaire Francophone, said: “La Boussole is deeply honoured to receive this distinction. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified challenges faced by francophone people. Our dedicated team of employees and volunteers decided to fight isolation and precariousness, which was only possible thanks to our funders’ trust.”

There are more than 70,000 francophones and over 300,000 French-speaking people in British Columbia. To mark B.C. Francophonie Day and International Francophonie Day, the Province will raise the Franco-Columbian flag outside the B.C. Parliament Buildings.