Values

General Policy

The Centre's values constitute the elements that, together with the mission, must continually guide the members in their decision-making. These values shall be promoted by, for instance, appearing on all printed material of importance for the Centre. They serve as a creed for Board members, staff and volunteers alike.

These values are:

1. promotion of the French language
2. respect for the individual and all cultures
3. holistic approach
4. team approach
5. autonomy
6. accountability
7. accessibility
8. quality of action
9. community involvement
10. confidentiality

1. Promotion of the French language

   The Centre provides services in French to the francophone population because it is essential that the Centre's clients be served in the language in which they feel comfortable. In addition, an effort is made to adapt delivery of these services to the cultural reality of the users.

2. Respect for the individual and all cultures

   The Centre's intention is to be a bias-free organization. Both internally and in its dealings with its partners and the general public, the Centre acts in full recognition of the dignity and value of each individual. It respects individual rights and the right to fair and equal treatment. The Centre seeks to create a climate of respect and mutual understanding adapted to the cultural and racial realities of the highly diverse francophone community living in Toronto and the GTA. Accordingly, no discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or a disability shall be tolerated.

3. Holistic approach

   The Centre believes that an individual's well-being must be considered in all its complexity. It accordingly provides services that promote the holistic and comprehensive development of both the individual and the community.

4. Collaborative approach

   The Centre needs to work in harmony with the French-speaking and the English-speaking communities. A collaborative approach is encouraged among the agencies that look after the physical, mental and social well-being of the francophones who live in Toronto and the GTA. This approach, based on respect for the individual, is expressed through a welcoming attitude, a spirit of inclusiveness, and concrete cooperative action. All of the corporation's internal and external activities are carried out in this spirit of collaboration.

5. Autonomy

   The objective of the Board members, staff and volunteers in all their interventions is to enable the individual and the community to achieve autonomy. The client is empowered to take responsibility for his or her health and to acquire the resources that are needed to improve it. The Centre works to strengthen the different communities making up the francophone population living in Toronto and the GTA so as to make it easier for them to take ownership.

6. Accountability

   The delegation of duties is clearly established and this helps develop a clear sense of responsibility and accountability on the part of the Board members, staff and volunteers. To be accountable for its actions and to increase its credibility, the Centre demonstrates transparency in its management and decision-making process. It maintains regular communication with all the components of the community it serves.

7. Accessibility

   The Centre takes care to ensure that its users have fair and equal access to quality services. It endeavours to provide everyone with the same resources and the same opportunities for realizing their full potential.

8. Quality of action

   The members of the Board of Directors and the Centre's other stakeholders are continually involved in the action and make every effort to give of themselves to ensure the corporation delivers quality services.

9. Community involvement

   The Centre believes that everyone -- individuals and groups -- constitutes an important resource for improving the collective well-being. It accordingly creates an environment conducive to community involvement so people can define their existing health and social service problems themselves and take the necessary steps to resolve them. The Centre also participates actively in community activities in order to better understand the changing needs.

10. Confidentiality

    Everyone – staff and clients – is entitled to confidentiality. Given the nature of the Centre's activities, some persons may have access to confidential information. It is essential that confidentiality be respected at all times.