Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Every year since 1970, l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), composed of 88 member states and governments from five continents including Canada, celebrate La Journée internationale de la Francophonie (International Francophonie Day) on March 20. To recognize this important day, the Francophone Caucus partnered with FrancoNoir.e on an event with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumond. The day will be attended by members from both groups, as well as a contingent of Black students from Béatrice-Desloges Catholic Secondary School, who will be presenting their diverse African-Francophone backgrounds.
AMAPCEO Vice-President and Equity Committee Chair Cynthia Watt recently caught up with Francophone Caucus Chair Vincent Lavigne and Vice-Chair Mohamed Boudjenane to discuss the upcoming event, and the importance of both International Francophonie Day and member participation in the Francophone Caucus.
Vincent Lavigne began his career for a small Toronto-based public relations agency in Montréal, where he worked in both French and English. After joining the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Vincent has worked in both the Ministry of Health and in French Language Services. Vincent has been involved with AMAPCEO as a volunteer for many years. In addition to his role as Chair of the Francophone Caucus, he currently serves as a Health & Safety Representative. He has previously served as an Alternate Delegate, Chapter Delegate, and a Workplace Representative. He was a part of the Diversity and Inclusion Lens Subcommittee.
Mohamed Boudjenane is a multilingual professional with over 25 years of service in public affairs, policy development, and communications within the non-profit and public sectors. He is actively engaged in leadership roles in various community and professional organizations like the Canadian Arab Federation, as well as advisory councils dedicated to community service, equity, and justice. As part of his successes as Vice-Chair within AMAPCEO’s Francophone Caucus, Mohamed has supported recruitment of more than 80 members into the caucus, developed partnerships with OPS affinity groups like FrancoGo and FrancoNoir.e, and helped organize important panels, discussions and celebrations for La Journée internationale de la Francophonie.
Cynthia Watt: What message would you like to share with AMAPCEO members about the importance of International Francophonie Day?
Vincent Lavigne: International Francophonie Day is important because it focuses attention on our shared language and the multitude of cultures and traditions that make up the diverse Francophone communities dispersed in Ontario, in Canada, and worldwide. It is also an opportunity to learn about Francophones—about our changing demographics within Ontario's Francophone communities, and the history of assimilation faced by Francophones in the province.
Mohamed Boudjenane: International Francophonie Day is a day to appreciate the contributions of Francophones from all over the world and to foster a sense of unity and belonging among us. This diversity is also reflected in our AMAPCEO Francophone Caucus, where our Chair Vincent is a Francophone of Quebec origins, while I am a Francophone of Moroccan origins. This blend of backgrounds makes our caucus as rich and vibrant as the international Francophonie itself.
CW: What can you tell us about the Lieutenant Governor event on March 24 in honour of International Francophonie Day? What are you looking forward to?
VL: This year, to celebrate International Francophonie Day, our Francophone Caucus partnered with FrancoNoir.e, an employee group within the OPS who are Black and Francophone. We’ve organized a visit with the Ontario Lieutenant Governor for our members and for Diversités Noires, a group of Black students from Béatrice-Desloges Catholic Secondary School.
It is a two-way learning event to inform Francophone youth about careers in the public service, and to educate our members about the changing face of the Francophonie, a face that is becoming more and more diversified. We are looking forward to speeches and a presentation on Francophone countries, as well as a play and a fashion show featuring traditional costumes from the attending students.
MB: I’m really looking forward to this event with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. This is a great opportunity to highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the Francophone community and to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate our shared heritage.
CW: Can you tell us about other Francophone Caucus events coming up in 2025?
VL: We are working out the details on another event later this spring related to French language education. Aside from that event and others we are hoping to have in 2025, our aim is to engage more of our caucus members. Whether it be with a monthly newsletter, surveys, consultations, or regular member calls, one of our main goals this year is to reach out to more Francophones and encourage them to join and help with the caucus. We will be organizing various activities aimed at rallying more members and fostering a sense of belonging within the Francophone community.
MB: Some of the key events that we are planning this year include a conversation about the French education system in Ontario and a celebration of St. Jean Baptiste. The former event will be an insightful discussion exploring the journey and the struggle to obtain school governance, and the challenges, achievements, and ongoing efforts of building an inclusive and diverse French education system. The latter event will commemorate the French Canadian identity with various activities and events centered around St. Jean Baptiste, honouring the rich cultural heritage and traditions of French Canadians.
We are also looking forward to co-organizing events and celebrations with other caucuses—all collaborative efforts that will help AMAPCEO’s equity caucuses build stronger connections with each other and help promote inclusivity across the union.
CW: Can you provide some insight into why it was important for you to continue to be actively involved with the Francophone Caucus, either in a leadership or non-leadership role?
VL: Being actively involved in the Francophone Caucus gives me the opportunity to speak French and that is very important for me. I take pride in being able to do so, and I also can’t take it for granted—”use it or lose it” is very true when it comes to languages!
From an organizational standpoint, I don't think the OPS really sees Francophones as an underrepresented group and this is why we need to continue raising awareness and educating our peers. About 15 years ago, there was a program established by the employer to help Francophones advance in the OPS. By actively being involved in my caucus, whether in a leadership or non-leadership role, my hope is to open doors to opportunities like these, and for our Francophone members to experience and take advantage of them.
MB: The Francophone Caucus provides a platform for Francophone members to connect, share experiences, and support one another in our collective efforts to promote and protect the interests of the Francophone community.
Being actively involved in the Francophone Caucus, whether it be in a leadership role or as a member, is essential for ensuring that our voices are heard and that we continue to advocate for the needs and aspirations of Francophones within the union and beyond.
CW: Finally, what advice do you have for members who may be interested in joining or returning to the Francophone Caucus?
VL: We would love to have more volunteers to allow us to diversify our activities. Volunteerism aside, I encourage anyone with an interest in French language and culture to join the Francophone Caucus and attend our events. New caucus members can learn about Francophone communities and the issues that concern us. We are also hoping to do a French karaoke night at some point which will be a lot of fun. Join the Francophone Caucus and don’t miss out!
MB: For those interested in joining or returning to the Francophone Caucus, my advice is simple: get involved! By being active in our caucus, you can help shape the direction of AMAPCEO, advocate for our community, understand the importance of union mobilization, and build a stronger, more inclusive environment for all Francophones.