In November 2018, Editors Canada conducted a survey among its francophone and bilingual (French/English) members regarding French-language services. The association has 160 members who are registered as francophones. One hundred members participated in the survey (a very high response rate).
Respondents seemed satisfied with their Editors Canada membership, and it seems the appropriate time to review the management of the association’s francophone affairs in light of the survey responses. The compartmentalized approach we’ve had in place for years—the francophone affairs director on the national executive council and the chair of the francophone affairs committee—has limitations, and members did not express a strong desire the keep the current structure.
Through questions regarding the organizational structure, we learned that members are open to changing how the association manages its francophone affairs. Respondents expressed the idea of replacing the current structure with more direct involvement of francophone members at the national and regional committee level.
The results of the survey were presented to the national executive council’s meeting on March 30–31, 2019, in Montreal. After discussing the ramifications of various options, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Based on the results of the 2018 survey regarding French-language services, it is agreed that:
- the position of director of francophone affairs be eliminated and replaced with the position of francophone counsellor to the national executive council;
- the francophone affairs committee be dissolved and replaced with the position of francophone counsellor
- the mandate of the francophone counsellor will be to recruit francophone members for the national committees and to organize a symposium in French every other year.
This structure, which is similar to how many other national associations are organized, will help Editors Canada implement a bilingual approach at every level. Members of the national executive council, including Sandra Gravel, the current director of francophone affairs, find this to be a relevant and positive approach for the entire association.
Download a summary of the results of the French-speaking members survey. (46.24 KB)