Québec Anglophones

Lilli Janzen
2009-2011

As a European immigrant to Canada (at age 5) I spent my early years growing up in rural Alberta, then we moved to Winnipeg and then to Montreal. I also have roots in Saskatchewan. As such I consider myself to be a citizen of the world in recognition of the unique cultural traits which make our vertical mosaic so interesting.

A 16-year period in teaching Effective Public Speaking at night at CEGEP-level and to Continuing Education students has added more depth to my view on building self-esteem quickly and effectively. I speak German and French as well as English, and this also helps me to recognize the importance of cultural nuances of language and their impact on effective communication.

As a Counsellor and Past Board Member of the Adler Graduate School of Psychology, Montreal, I have seen the educational world from a very different angle, and this has helped me to appreciate the challenges and the inherent opportunities for both students and administration.

I have a long history of exciting leadership roles in Toastmasters International, having launched the French translation project such that all educational materials are now available in French on an ongoing basis.

In summary I tend to see obstacles as opportunities for change and do not shy away easily from seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Being a planner by nature, I also enjoy the positive and motivating side of change.

Director's Report - May 2010

Abstract

• Addressing Anglophone counselling in Quebec
• Promoting professional development opportunities
• Provided input for EAP

This year has been an eye opener in a number of ways. One surprising aspect is in the number of unilingual Anglophones moving to Quebec from other provinces for various reasons and yet have little knowledge of CCPA.

Information requests crossing my desk often focus on the following question:

"How does a unilingual anglophone make it professionally in the field of Counselling in Quebec?" The question is a valid one for which any answer must address the Quebec language law and its relationship to working in a psychological counselling profession in this province.

For those who are yet unaware, the titles of psychologist and psychotherapist are reserved for members in the Order of Psychologists of Quebec.

It used to be that one could fairly easily find a job in Quebec, especially the cities, if you were not fluent in French. However younger people growing up in Quebec have become much in demand as they are often perfectly bilingual. Their parents often have not reached this level of bilingualism and so need to compete for work with the younger set.

The types of jobs available to Anglophones who do not speak French are limited now especially the front-line jobs where contact with the public is a key aspect of the job. When applied to the field of counselling this also applies, since what characterizes counselling but contact with the public?

As CCPA Quebec Anglophone Director I feel that it is adamant that this message reaches home to all of our CCPA Quebec members.

Regarding Professional Development opportunities I wanted to make sure that short of physical distance and logistics, whenever a good workshop comes up my intention was to share the info, and hence the CCPA office has done an outstanding job in sending out this information. We will have even more such opportunities in the future and will have to streamline the sharing of information and somehow avoid inundating members with the same info, as happens with QCA and CCPA dual membership.

About EAP, I have provided my input and it has been noted. In Quebec there is one very large EAP organization which spreads across Canada. Looking for a salaried position seems tougher than as a contracted counselling practitioner. More info to come. EAP providers pay varied hourly rates, but the upside if the fact that we do not have to pay advertising costs to have a full slate of clients.

We are getting closer and closer to having to address the OPQ membership requirement down the line, and recognizing the need to function in at least two official languages in Quebec. I also counsel in a third language, German, and it is nice to have a third language especially considering the demographics.

My business cards are again depleted because I make sure to hand them out regularly so we won't be a best-kept secret.

So much more to say, but nice to know we are functioning with one objective in mind, a great team for a formidable goal: CCPA linked across the country.