Office of Commissioner of Official Languages Consultation

In early May, Dyane Adams the newly-appointed Commissioner of Official Languages, was in Montreal as part of a cross-Canada consultation. LPQ was invited to join about a dozen other organizations to participate in this consultation.

Many of the groups present were community organizations; Batshaw Youth and Family Services, Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations, the Centaur Theatre, the Saidye Bronfman Theatre, Blue Metropolis and the Lester B. Pearson School Board were amongst those present. The Commissioner was interested in hearing our views on the development of our minority official language communities and on the duality at the local, provincial or regional level.

In addition, she discussed the emerging directions she and her team are pursuing. This was a valuable opportunity to share the thoughts of the English community of Quebec and to present some positive suggestions on behalf of English Quebecers. LPQ was pleased to be included in the discussion.

ABC CANADA Family Literacy Grants

New funds have been made available to support family literacy initiatives across Canada as a result of a partnership between ABC CANADA and Honda Canada.

The total funds raised have been divided amongst the provinces and territories based on a per capita formula. LPQ has been asked to manage the distribution of a portion of Quebec's share. A committee of LPQ has considered projects submitted for consideration and awarded proceeds to the following organizations to support their Family Literacy programmes:

The Montreal Children's Library (Montreal)
St. Francis Literacy Council (Sherbrooke)
Born to Read, (GaspÈ) Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations.

LPQ would like to thank ABC CANADA and Honda Canada for its continued support of Family Literacy.

Golf Day for Literacy '99 Proceeds to Learning Disabilities Assessments

LPQ is pleased to have begun our partnership with Learning Associates of Montreal. LPQ's proceeds of Golf Day for Literacy '99 are being used to assess adult learners suspected of having a learning disability.

The response of one adult literacy student who was assessed through this initiative was so powerful, it is worth repeating. After learning that he has a significant learning disability, his reaction was one of relief. He was elated to know that the problems that had held him back were not his fault in any way. He confided that finally, he felt good about himself because he no longer felt ashamed of something that he could not control.

Testimonies such as this come as no surprise; however, it is always very rewarding to hear that we can make a difference.

Member groups of LPQ are reminded that they are eligible to apply for a grant for their adult learners. We will help subsidize adult learners who would benefit from an assessment to confirm and/or identify their learning disability.

Application forms were sent to member organizations in February. If you would like additional information or forms, please call the LPQ office.