SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Fédération culturelle canadienne-française

Honourable senators, yesterday, at the National Arts Centre, the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, a leading political voice for arts and culture in Canadian and Acadian francophone communities, which brings together 21 provincial, territorial and national organizations, presented a powerful brief, an impassioned plea for strengthening arts education in our country’s schools.

This federation recommends that the federal government initiate a dialogue involving provincial and territorial governments and the community sector with a view to developing a charter for arts education in francophone communities. This recommendation is in keeping with Canada’s commitment to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes the right of children to participate in cultural and artistic activities.

Honourable senators, as the federation’s brief indicated, one in five parents in Canada reported that there were no art classes at the French elementary school attended by their child or children.

Approximately 20% of young Canadians are affected by mental health issues, and Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world.

Finally, in francophone minority communities, 39% of students eligible for French-language education come from an immigrant background. The role of arts education and access to artistic works in addressing the issues I’ve just mentioned is well established.

Also according to evidence-based briefs, art has significant effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, both in terms of prevention and treatment. On top of that, arts education is proving to be an effective way of supporting the mental health and well-being of students. Not only do artistic endeavours stimulate the development of gross and fine motor skills, but they also push learners to get to know themselves better and establish a deeper connection with themselves. This has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of well-being.

That’s why it is so critical that we pay particular attention to this component of education, while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdictions, of course, as it’s one of the pillars needed to build and maintain our democratic society.

I want to congratulate and thank the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française for its leadership on this issue. In closing, as Women’s History Month draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of that organization’s current president, Nancy Juneau, a manager and cultural worker who has been involved in many national arts and culture organizations for decades.

Ms. Juneau, your unwavering commitment, inspiring vision and enlightened humanism are a credit to our country’s francophone cultural sector. Thank you, Nancy Juneau, and thank you, colleagues, for your attention.