Released: February 13, 2007

New Westminster: Parents in BC have become a considerable force for change on the French-second-language educational front as membership in the BC and Yukon branch of Canadian Parents for French—one of 11 branches across Canada—jumped by 1,263 to 7,544 in the past four months. With more than twice the number of members of any other province in Canada, and one-third of all members in the country, the provincial, non-profit, parent-led organization serves as a key voice for expanded access to, and enhanced quality of, French-second-language cultural, educational and sporting programs.

“Parents are putting their children in French immersion and alternative French programs in record numbers and they know they have to be vigilant if they want those programs to maintain and exceed the excellent standards that have already been set. By joining CPF, they know they are now part of the single most effective organization in the province working to strengthen French-second-language education for their kids,” states Heather Newman, president of the regional branch.

Through support from CPF over the past 30 years, parents have presented countless briefs to trustees and educators, organized summer camps and film festivals, raised money for research and resources to help teachers and students alike, and worked to ensure that French comes alive for their community and children.

“The evidence of their good work is obvious in the growing, vibrant, and dynamic range of French educational and cultural programs that exist in virtually every community in the region. And in the fact that the rate of enrolment in these programs is topping that of any other province in the country,” Newman says.

CPF – BC & Yukon has 45 chapters in BC and Yukon, each run by parents on a voluntary basis. Together, these parents contributed more than 10,000 hours in volunteer work last year to help ensure their children have a rich assortment of opportunities to learn and have fun in French.

For more information, please contact Rita Parikh, Executive Director,
CPF – BC & Yukon Branch
Phone (250) 595-0138, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE ON FEBRUARY 5, 2007: www.cpf.bc.ca

Attachments:

BC Parents Embrace French in Record Numbers.pdf

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