CNF Remains a Committed Actor in Literacy and Skills Development Through Its Active Role at RESDAC

In Ottawa, the Executive Director of Collège Nordique, Patrick Arsenault, was invited to take part in the board meetings of the Réseau pour le développement de l’alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC). These meetings, held as working sessions, brought together board members from each province and territory. Patrick represents the Northwest Territories, a role that enables him to contribute to the network’s strategic work.

Aligning Efforts and Strengthening Network Communications

One of the main goals of the meetings was to reinforce coherence in RESDAC’s communications and priorities so that the entire network continues moving in the same direction. As highlighted in their 2024–2025 annual report, this shared vision is essential to positioning RESDAC as a key leader in lifelong learning in francophone minority contexts.

Topo RESDAC: Understanding the Supply and Demand for Skills

A significant portion of the discussions focused on Topo RESDAC, a statistical dashboard designed to better understand the supply and potential demand for training among francophone adults. Although data remains limited in minority settings—particularly in remote regions such as Yellowknife—the tool makes it possible to generate more accurate portraits through rigorous extrapolations. The annual report notes that this initiative is now entering a new phase of development.

Recognizing Competencies: Advancing Digital Badges

The meetings also examined the evolution of a pan-Canadian digital badge system, developed in partnership with the Institut de coopération pour l’éducation des adultes (ICÉA). This system aims to recognize both formal competencies and non-formal or informal learning such as community engagement, resource creation, intercultural collaboration, leadership, pedagogical adaptation, and more.

These efforts are part of a broader international movement for recognition, reflected notably in the signing of the 2024 Paris Declaration, an international commitment to promoting equitable recognition of learning and competencies.

Learning Communities: A Promising Model

The concept of a learning community, inspired by the Edmonton model recognized by UNESCO, was also a central point of discussion. Rather than seeking full municipal certification, the network is exploring a more flexible approach focused on local mobilization and lifelong learning—from the “cradle to the rocking chair.”

Strategic Meetings and Northern Collaboration

During the meetings, Patrick Arsenault also engaged with newly appointed board members and reinforced collaboration among Northern organizations. These discussions are helping shape the upcoming pan-territorial gathering in June, which will bring together partners from Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories to address priority training needs.

As a board member, he participated in these sessions as part of RESDAC’s regular governance activities, enabling him to represent Northern realities within the national network.

A Perspective Rooted in the Northwest Territories

Patrick Arsenault shared a reflection on the specific needs of francophone communities in the North:

“In many regions across the country, language-related issues are a major concern. Here, we often see that many francophone individuals already have a strong level of French, and sometimes a high level of education. The needs are therefore more closely tied to skills development, while recognizing that literacy needs also exist. Yellowknife is a creative and dynamic environment, so envisioning a learning community here truly makes sense.”

A Strategic Role for Collège Nordique

Patrick Arsenault’s participation on RESDAC’s Board of Directors highlights the growing importance of Collège Nordique in national conversations about:

• competency recognition;
• access to data and learning tools;
• modernization of training practices;
• and the inclusion of Northern realities in decision-making processes.

By bringing a perspective rooted in the North, Collège Nordique helps shape an ecosystem where the competencies, experiences, and knowledge of all francophone communities can thrive.

Published on December 18th 2025