So states a recent What We Heard report released by Yukon’s government, according to a government news release.
The report contains “results from public engagement conducted to understand how Yukoners use French-language services,” and aims to “identify what is working well and where access to services can be improved,” states the release.
Residents who responded to the survey — there were 293 of them — expressed a need for “more dependable access to French-language services,” including bilingual access to those related to “legal, justice and regulations.”
The release goes on to note that the feedback will help Yukon’s government “plan and prioritize its actions to keep enhancing timely access to French-language services and information.”
John Streicker, Yukon’s minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate, thanked participants.
“Your insights will help us focus our efforts to enhance timely access to French-language services and information where it matters most, so we can continue to ensure Yukoners have access to the services they need to thrive,” said Streicker in a statement.
The survey’s results will help shape the territory’s 2025-28 strategic framework for French-language services, notes the release.
“This framework is a roadmap to build on the Government of Yukon’s successes and guide its actions and investments to keep increasing access to timely French-language services and information.”
It notes that as of the 2021 census, more than 14 per cent of Yukon residents spoke French — and that number is increasing.
“The Yukon is the third-most bilingual jurisdiction in Canada, after Quebec and New Brunswick,” it states.
According to the report itself, a little more than 20 per cent reported to have accessed “legal, justice and regulatory services” in the past three years. These services could include mediation, driver’s licences or permits.
A large number of respondents said it was “very important” to be able to access “this category of services in French.”
In the report’s appendix, one respondent who described themselves as francophone acknowledges that the Yukon “is primarily an English-speaking territory.”
However, they also spoke to the importance of bilingual legal services.
“For legal services, however, it is essential that everything be available in French as well as in English. There can be no doubt about that,” they said.
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