The Forgotten Promise
Alberta: A French Province?
Ottawa, December 2, 2008 - Striking new evidence re-writes history books and dispels common misconceptions about the status of French in the Western provinces and territories.
Edmund A. Aunger, a professor of political science at the Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta, is the next Breakfast on the Hill speaker and the author of numerous publications on language law, official language policy and the sociolinguistics of French-speaking communities.
Professor Aunger’s research reveals that French had enjoyed official status in these provinces since well before Confederation, and that Canada had solemnly promised to respect this status when it annexed the region in 1870.
Professor Aunger’s findings are already having an impact on Alberta’s legal system. Find out more:
7:45 - 9:00 am , Thursday, December 4
Parliamentary Restaurant, 6th Floor, Centre Block
A hot breakfast will be served.
Please note that the presentation will be in French however Professor Aunger will be available for interviews in either English or French.
Representing more than 50,000 researchers in 66 scholarly associations, 73 universities and colleges, and seven affiliates across the country, the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is the voice of Canada’s humanities and social sciences community.
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For information
Caitlin Kealey - Manager, Communications
T (613) 238-6112 , ext. 353
C (613) 513-9756
ckealey@fedcan.ca
www.fedcan.ca
