Consultation by the Office of Francophone Affairs for its Accent on Youth Strategy

In September 2008, the Office of Francophone Affairs undertook an on-line consultation of young Francophones across Ontario to arrive at a better understanding of their relationship to the French language. Close to 400 young people completed the OFA’s on-line questionnaire, sharing their perceptions of bilingualism. The study reveals that 94% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 22 believe that being bilingual enhances their career prospects in Canada. Close to 500 other young Francophones then took part in regional forums led by the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne. The analysis that followed this consultation process led to the launch, in December 2008, of the Accent on Youth Strategy designed to promote the use of French by young Francophones through targeted activities to get them involved in their community.