The Bridge Builder: Jean-Pierre Cantin's Vision d'Inclusivité for London
How one volunteer's dedication to Francophone representation helped shape LMLIP's 15-year journey
Jean-Pierre Cantin at the All Are Welcome Campaign event in March of 2018
When Jean-Pierre Cantin joined the steering committee of the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) in 2009, he had a clear mission. "My primary motivation was to ensure that Francophones were represented and that their voices were heard and taken into consideration," he recalls. Little did he know that this commitment would spark a 15-year community-building and cultural bridge-making journey.
Cantin's story is one of passion and perseverance. As a prominent figure in London's Francophone community and former Executive Director of the Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London (CCFL), he brought a unique perspective to the LMLIP. His involvement, from serving on the initial steering committee to chairing the Education Sub-Council twice, was always marked by his commitment to fostering inclusivity and the value of diversity in community initiatives.
But who is Jean-Pierre Cantin, and why does his work matter to London? A dedicated volunteer and community leader, Cantin has been instrumental in shaping LMLIP's inclusive vision since its inception. His efforts extend beyond committee rooms; he's interviewed French-speaking guests for the "I am London" campaign, ensuring Francophone representation in LMLIP's longest running public initiatives.
What drives Cantin's commitment to LMLIP? He sees the partnership as "a key player for a more welcoming, open and inclusive community." This vision has guided his work over the past 15 years, during which he's witnessed LMLIP's transformative impact on London, underscoring the organization's success and the importance of its work.
When asked about LMLIP's most significant achievement, Cantin doesn't hesitate: "LMLIP succeeded in being the catalyst for all community partners in the region to work together and unite around a common vision and goal to facilitate the integration of immigrants of all origins and make the region a welcoming, open and inclusive community."
This unifying power, Cantin believes, has been crucial in "[ensuring] that all of the region's immigration community partners and players... share a common goal and ideal of making the City of London a more welcoming community for all immigrants who choose to settle here." This emphasis on the LMLIP's role in bringing together diverse community partners for a common goal is a testament to its effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Cantin's hopes for LMLIP are both ambitious and practical. "That LMLIP will continue to serve this community and engage all community partners, and that funders will come forward with greater financial resources to enable LMLIP to offer more effective and efficient services," he envisions for the partnership's future.
As LMLIP celebrates its 15th anniversary, Jean-Pierre Cantin's story is a powerful reminder of a dedicated individual's impact on an entire community. His unwavering commitment to Francophone representation and inclusive community-building has helped shape LMLIP into the unifying force it is today, bridging cultures and creating a London where tous sont les bienvenus.