Regional Forum of the Francophone Immigration Support Network of Eastern Ontario (RSIFEO) 2024

DATE:

22/10/2024 - 24/10/2024

Report: RSIFEO 2024 Regional Forum in Pembroke

Title: Regional Forum of the Eastern Ontario Francophone Immigration Support Network (EASTON) 2024
Theme: "Beyond Differences: Strengthening the Foundations of an Inclusive Future"
Date: October 22-24, 2024
Location: 1 College Way, Frank Nighbor Street, Pembroke, ON K8A 0C8

Introduction

The RSIFEO held the 12th edition of its Regional Forum from October 22 to 24, 2024, in Pembroke. This event brought together key stakeholders in Francophone immigration in Eastern Ontario to discuss critical issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), and Truth and Reconciliation.

Objectives of the Forum

The forum aimed to:

Strengthen partners' capacity to integrate EDI, GBA+, and Truth and Reconciliation into their interventions.
Provide practical tools to partner organizations to better implement projects submitted to IRCC.
Mobilize and coordinate stakeholders to promote the integration and development of Francophone newcomers in minority communities.

Progress of Activities

Over three days, several working sessions were organized to allow participants to deepen their understanding of the topics covered.

Day 1: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Welcome and Forum Presentation
Inaugural Conference on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Interactive Workshop: How to Integrate EDI into Community Projects

Day 2: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Presentation and discussion on Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Practical workshops on applying GBA+ in immigrant services
Expert panel on good practices in equality and inclusion

Day 3: Thursday, October 24, 2024

Conference on Truth and Reconciliation: Challenges and Prospects
Testimonies and Sharing of Experiences
Summary and Final Recommendations

Keynote Speakers

The forum benefited from the expertise of several renowned speakers:

Nelly Dennene: Master's degree in political science, political analysis and theory (UQAM)
Sarah Dennene: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in law (UQAM), lecturer in the Department of Legal Sciences
Amadou Ghouenzen Mfondi: Professor-researcher, EDI consultant, PhD in conflict studies
Diane Campeau: Professor, PhD in education (Université de Sherbrooke)

Results and Outlook

The forum made it possible to:

Raise participants' awareness of the challenges of EDI, GBA+, and Truth and Reconciliation.
Provide concrete tools for better integration of these concepts into local initiatives.
Encourage exchanges between partners for a collaborative and sustainable approach.

Conclusion

The 12th edition of the RSIFEO Regional Forum provided an essential platform for building the capacity of partners involved in the reception and integration of Francophone immigrants. Thanks to the enriching conferences, workshops, and discussions, participants left with a better understanding of the topics covered and concrete strategies to implement in their respective organizations.

The RSIFEO will continue its efforts to ensure a more inclusive and equitable future for Francophone minority communities.