Small changes could make Sarnia more welcoming to Francophones

Annette Dillon reflects on a mayoral candidates’ discussion and suggests practical ways to improve French-language services and community life in Sarnia.

October 5 was a Mayoral Candidates discussion meeting at the Francophone Centre in Sarnia located on the Rapids Pkwy.
Mayor Bradley, McEachran and Molson participated.
There was some discussion on how to grow the French Community in Sarnia.
Bradley stated that he has been working with the Centre over the years.
Scott emphasized asking people at the Centre what they need in Sarnia.
Carrie noted that without any French post secondary school options here our French School Students leave for higher education, jobs and don’t return.
It was brought up that city hall needs to be more accessible to Francophones as well as the Strangway Centre.
Not having money in the budget for expanding French services was emphasized by all the candidates.
I don’t see why that would exclude some changes?
Staff at City Hall learning how to use translation apps could go a long way? Do we have pre recorded messages and information – if so I couldn’t find them easily.
Offering several courses at the Strangway, a few programs printed out and a couple of French Concerts in the Summer don’t require a change in Budget.
Hey, Maybe we can bring more people from Quebec due to our warmer weather and from French speaking Africa to get more Taxpayers eh?
There’s a cheery French song written by folks at the Centre called Hey Sarnia on YouTube.

Annette Dillon
Sarnia