SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada

Honourable senators, I’d like to begin by thanking members of the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada, better known as the FAAFC, for being here today. I am especially pleased to welcome them to the Senate. Their presence reminds us of a simple truth: A community that cares about its seniors is a community that cares about its future.

The FAAFC is the national voice of francophone seniors living in minority communities across the country. It gathers together organizations from all regions of Canada and works tirelessly to promote active aging, address isolation, foster social inclusion and protect access to quality services in French.

Its role is also profoundly political in the best sense of the word. The FAAFC brings the concerns of francophone seniors to the attention of governments, including concerns related to health, long-term care, housing, financial security, access to services in French and civic engagement. It ensures that decisions affecting seniors take into account the realities facing francophone and Acadian minority communities. On many issues, the FAAFC has become an indispensable partner for public decision-makers.

As an Acadian, I can attest to the importance of this work.

I often think of my mother and the whole generation that came before us. Like many Acadians of her generation, she didn’t always have access to the services, opportunities or recognition that we now take for granted. She nevertheless passed on something very precious to us: pride in our language, our culture and our identity.

It is thanks to people like her, and their contribution and vision, that our communities have been able to endure over the decades and continue to thrive. Our elders are the guardians of our communities’ collective memory.

In fact, after meeting several members of the FAAFC this morning, I found myself wondering whether the word “senior” might need to be redefined. When I see your energy, your commitment and your activities calendar, I’m convinced that many of you could easily teach us here in this chamber a thing or two about vitality.

To everyone here today, thank you for your commitment and for everything you do to keep the Canadian francophonie alive.

On behalf of the Senate of Canada, thank you very much.