The conference kickoff, on Friday evening, brought together about a hundred parents, community partners, and guests in a festive and friendly atmosphere to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Fédération des parents.

The evening, hosted by Jacques Dufresne of Ici Radio-Canada Colombie-Britannique, media partner for the 2014 conference, started with an icebreaker activity designed to promote an exchange of information. It allowed participants, who had come from 21 Francophone communities across the province, to meet other parents that are also volunteers engaged in Francophone education, and to discuss their respective challenges and successes.

The President of the Fédération des parents, Marie-Pierre Lavoie, officially opened the conference. Her introductory remarks were followed by the presentation of the Parents’ Association of the Year Award and the Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education (see our articles on these topics). In addition, certificates of recognition were presented to volunteer parents to highlight their important contributions while working in various communities.

We would like to point out that financial support from the Governments of British Columbia and Québec (under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Program, in the context of the Agreement for Cooperation and Exchange on Francophone Affairs) made it possible for us to welcome Ms. Pimparé and make the 35th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Fédération des parents even more special.

(Photos of the opening event: Régis Painchaud)