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The parliamentary delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), which participated in the Conference of Branch Chairs of the APF America Region, held in Toronto, Ontario, on April 13, 2012, is honoured to present its report. The delegation consisted of the Honourable Andrée Champagne, Senator and Chair of the Canadian Branch, accompanied by François Michaud, the Branch’s executive secretary. The following branches were also represented: Louisiana, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Opening of proceedings The conference was chaired by Henri-François Gautrin, MNA (Quebec), and took place at the Ontario Legislative Assembly. Reports by the chargé de mission Following the adoption of the agenda, Yvon Bonenfant, MLA (New Brunswick), and chargé de mission for the America Region, reported on the highlights from the APF Bureau meeting held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from February 8 to 10, 2012. The Hon. Andrée Champagne, Chair of the Canadian Branch, spoke briefly on her branch’s initiative regarding funding for the Francophonie as an institutional system, which was presented in Phnom Penh. Senator Champagne tabled a resolution of support for this initiative and it was passed unanimously. Mr. Bonenfant presented a report on the activities of the America Region since the Regional Assembly held in Regina in August 2011. 2012 Regional Assembly Eric LaFleur, Senator (Louisiana) and branch chair, gave an update on preparations for the XXVIII Regional Assembly of the APF America Region, to be held in New Orleans and Baton Rouge from August 7 to 10, 2012. The theme for the assembly is the economic impact of the knowledge of French. Representatives from Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia gave brief presentations on how their branches will approach the theme. The Hon. Andrée Champagne also presented a draft report on the theme, in which she emphasized that for knowledge of the French language to truly be an economic advantage, people must be encouraged to maintain the language once they have completed their education. Statement of revenues and expenses, America Region Dominic Dumont, regional executive secretary, presented the 2011–2012 statement of revenues and expenses of the APF America Region, and the 2012–2013 budget estimates. Status report on the Francophone youth parliament of the America The chargé de mission presented a status report on the Francophone youth parliament of the America. The first session of the parliament is to be held in Toronto in August 2013, at the same time as the XXIX Regional Assembly of the APF America Region. The regional executive secretary will report on the budget and selection process at the regional meeting to be held in New Orleans in August 2012. Update on Haiti Henri-François Gautrin gave an overview of the current situation in Haiti. Update on gender-neutral writing France Gélinas, MPP (Ontario) and branch chair, discussed her efforts to have the APF use gender-neutral language in its statutes. Ms. Gélinas tabled a draft recommendation supporting the project, which was passed unanimously. Other matters Attendees at the Conference of Branch Chairs discussed the participation of several branches in the activities of the America Region and expressed concern that the British Columbia Branch will not be paying its 2012–2013 dues, marking its de facto withdrawal from the America Region. The executive secretary of the Canadian Branch recommended that it cease publication of Bulletin Amérique and replace it with a more effective communication tool. This recommendation was approved in principle by the branch chairs and will be followed up at a later date. By participating in this Conference of Branch Chairs, the Canadian Branch achieved its goals of meeting its regional obligations, presenting a draft report, representing the budgetary interests of the Canadian Branch, maintaining regional contacts, representing its interests and presenting a brief that led to an in-depth debate.
Respectfully submitted,
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