New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party (PCNB) hopes a new committee will help to build bridges and strengthen Francophone representation.
The party recently launched its first Official Languages Committee, described as a “key milestone” in its commitment to a truly bilingual and inclusive province.
René Ephestion, who was named chair of the committee, said it is a direct response to the “real and growing needs of Francophone members.”
“Over time, there has been, sometimes rightfully or not, a perception that PCNB did not always fully reflect New Brunswick’s bilingual identity, especially when it came to our official communication,” Ephestion said in a recent interview.
“There was also this lingering sense that our political family leaned more towards Anglophone, so this is a perception. We want to change that and remove any ambiguity about that.”
The committee, he said, is a “crystal clear signal that Francophones have a rightful and respected place” with the political party.
According to the party, the committee’s mandate is to promote Francophonie within the party, support Francophone and Francophile members, and ensure that the French language and culture are fully reflected in its actions, communications and overall direction.
Ephestion added that one early goal is to improve bilingual communication, which he said has been a concern of members.
“We want to make sure also that everything from our website to our messaging is clearly bilingual and high quality, so we are looking for the real impact, not just work,” he said.
Other potential initiatives include member consultations, supporting political training in French, promoting Francophone leadership and establishing mechanisms for listening and inclusion.
The committee plans to brainstorm over the summer months and work to build a strategic plan this fall, said Ephestion.
