Last month, the Provincial Employment Roundtable and partner organizations celebrated one of our biggest accomplishments of the year: The launch of a mentorship program bringing together dozens of French and English speakers with the aim of fostering both language learning and community. The Circonflexe Mentorship Program launch took place at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montréal on November 14th.
The atmosphere at the launch was joyful and optimistic, with the buzz of mentors and mentees chatting and exchanging ideas at the networking lunch and reception. Among the speakers at the event were Québec Minister of Finance Eric Girard, Concordia President Graham Carr, and PERT’s president, James Hughes.
The Circonflexe Mentorship Program is an initiative aimed at addressing barriers faced by English-speaking Quebecers in the workforce. Supported by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration through Francisation Québec, it connects English-speaking mentees with French-proficient mentors to enhance language skills, build professional networks, and foster career opportunities. The program includes a suite of pedagogical tools and activities that facilitate language learning and professional development, as well as providing participants with opportunities to network. By offering these resources and a structured framework for mentorship, Circonflexe supports both mentors and mentees simultaneously. It is one of many ways that PERT is bringing people together and connecting linguistic communities in Québec.
Minister Girard saluted a new initiative promoting better workplace integration and participation in the economy. Graham Carr reaffirmed Concordia’s commitment to Québec society and its economy, highlighting the university’s efforts to promote French language acquisition.
James Hughes spoke about the importance of language mentorship programs like Circonflexe. Noting the employment challenges that English-speaking Quebecers faced in Quebec due to language barriers, he observed that Circonflexe could build bridges between Québec’s linguistic communities:
In lively breakout discussions, participants discussed their roles and expectations for the program. Coming from diverse sectors – government, academia, and community organizations – they discussed language barriers in the Québec workforce and how to overcome them. Mentors and mentees hit it off, telling stories and jokes while participating in the networking activities.
Programs like Circonflexe have the power to be transformative for Québec. While acknowledging the value of English-language institutions, speakers emphasized the necessity of French language proficiency for professional success and integration. The program also aims to address economic disparities by equipping English-speaking Quebecers with the language skills needed to thrive in the workforce, contributing to the province’s overall economic growth.
We can’t wait to see what comes next for our mentors and mentees.
Are you looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, and enrich your career? French-speaking professionals are invited to apply to become a mentor for a 1-year period, and help others thrive in Québec’s labour market.
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