Many of you will know that I take just about every opportunity I can to speak French with anyone who will humour me.
My French journey started when my husband and I were dating. He came from a Francophone family, and I quickly realized that if I wanted to keep up with conversations and understand what everyone was saying, I was going to have to work on my French. I’d taken French in high school, so I had a bit of a head start, but there’s a big difference between remembering a few words and actually following a conversation. I wanted to join in, understand the jokes and feel part of it all. And, if I’m being honest, I really wanted his mom and dad to like me!
I’ve always had a pretty natural ear for languages, and when I started taking classes at Collège Boréal, much of what I’d learned in high school came back fairly quickly. That didn’t mean it was easy, though. Learning a language as an adult means getting comfortable making mistakes, searching for words and sometimes sounding a little ridiculous.
And then I became mayor.
I knew that being mayor in a community like West Nipissing meant putting myself out there, including speaking French even when I wasn’t entirely confident. I wasn’t going to wait until I was fluent. I had to be willing to try, make mistakes and keep learning.
I remember the first time I had to give a formal speech entirely in French. It was at the 75th Anniversary Gala for Club Richelieu, at the Marcel Noël Hall. I was nervous. Very nervous. I kept reminding myself to slow down and speak clearly, but I’m pretty sure my hands were shaking behind that podium. I probably messed up a few words along the way, but as I like to say, je me débrouille. I got through it.
And I can’t tell you how warm the reception was. People were so encouraging and welcoming. It was a very special night for me — not because my French was perfect, but because people appreciated that I had made the effort. That experience has stayed with me.
My French is still a work in progress. Sometimes I’m searching for the right word, or I know exactly what I want to say but can’t quite get there in French. Most of the time, I think in English and translate in my head as I speak, which can make me slower than I’d like. And when a conversation gets more complex, I may need to switch to English to express myself properly.
But learning French has given me a much deeper appreciation for what language means to the people who grow up with it, and how closely it is tied to culture, history and identity in West Nipissing. As mayor, I’ve made a point of using French whenever I can — at community events, meetings, ceremonies and in conversations with residents. I’m not always perfect, but I believe making the effort matters.
That effort also means speaking up for our Francophone community. In our delegations with provincial ministries, we’ve raised issues such as access to French-language services, attracting and retaining a bilingual labour force, and supporting the organizations that serve French-speaking residents. We may not control every factor affecting French-language services or the availability of bilingual workers, but we can use our voice and relationships to make the case for what our community needs.
Serving on the board of the Association francophone des municipalités de l’Ontario has given me another opportunity to do that. I’ve connected with municipal leaders from across Ontario, learned from other Francophone and bilingual communities, and brought those perspectives back to West Nipissing. And, as an added bonus, the meetings are entirely in French — which has been a pretty effective way to build my confidence and improve my skills!
Earlier this year, we had the honour of welcoming Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont to West Nipissing. Mme Dumont and I have something fairly significant in common: her English is a lot like my French — a work in progress. I first met her about two years ago, and I think that shared experience gave us an immediate connection. She is a warm and gracious person, and she often speaks about the important role that francophiles like me can play in promoting and protecting French language and culture.
Her visit, held during International Francophonie Week, was a pretty special opportunity for our community. Working with Club Richelieu and Les Companions des francs loisirs to help coordinate the visit, we were able to showcase all the ways French is woven into the fabric of West Nipissing — through our schools, organizations, businesses, cultural activities, community groups and, most importantly, the people who speak French and keep it part of everyday life. It also gave our Francophone residents an opportunity to see their language and culture represented in one of Ontario’s highest public offices. I think it created a real moment of pride for our community.
Supporting French in a bilingual community takes more than putting a French version on a website. It takes people who are willing to use the language, listen to Francophones, support local organizations and keep learning. That includes me. So, if you’re Francophone, bilingual, or simply willing to help someone who is still learning, I invite you to speak French with me. Teach me a new word (just beware, I’ll probably ask you to spell it). Tell me a funny expression. Correct me when I get something wrong. If you hear me searching for a word, give me a hand.
I’ve come a long way from the woman who asked Frank, “Es-tu femme?” instead of “As-tu faim?” on our first date! I don’t fret about making mistakes anymore. So many of you have taught me that making the effort is what matters.
Alors, parlez-moi en français. Je vais faire de mon mieux pour vous suivre!
See more On The Hon. Edith Dumont’s visit to West Nipissing
