About
Hello, my name is Padminee Chundunsing. I am a proud Mauritian who immigrated to Canada in 2004 and was officially “adopted” by my new homeland in 2009.
As someone who thrives on community engagement, I felt the need to connect with the Francophone community as soon as I arrived in Canada. I got involved and offered my expertise to organizations working on issues close to my heart: education, culture, women’s rights, and immigration.
I had the privilege of serving as President of La Fédération des francophones de la
Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) for three consecutive terms, after having first served as a board member. My perseverance, along with my listening, analytical, and communication skills, were key assets that helped me fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my abilities.
In this role, I was deeply committed to representing my community by promoting bilingualism, participating in numerous events, gatherings, and meetings across the province and in Ottawa, to advocate for Francophonie in Canada and raise awareness - at both federal and provincial levels - about the challenges faced by official language minority communities. While this involvement was at times demanding, it was also immensely rewarding. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of the needs and aspirations of Francophones across the different regions of British Columbia.
Pursuing certain issues required renewed commitment, particularly in response to the shortage of teachers in Francophone schools and the recognition of foreign credentials, a challenge that extends beyond the field of education to impact healthcare, engineering, and many other professions essential to the development of our Francophone communities and Canadian society as a whole. Addressing these issues will require compromise and innovative solutions.
A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Four Pillars
My commitment to the Francophone community is grounded in core values: consensus-building, community engagement, a forward-looking vision, and meaningful results.
I deeply believe that authentic leadership is built on inclusion, compassionate listening, collaboration, and collective action. By bringing our energies together, fostering lasting connections, and asserting our rights with conviction, we can build a promising future for Francophonie in British Columbia and beyond.
This approach, guided by these values, is rooted in a constant desire to adapt my actions to the realities and needs of the community. It involves staying attuned to the challenges faced by Francophones—whether it’s access to services in French, the recognition of language rights, or the promotion of our culture.
Consensus
In my role as Chair of the Board of Directors, I faced several significant challenges affecting the Francophone community. I adopted a hands-on, community-focused approach...
Community Engagement
As mentioned earlier, I became involved as soon as I arrived in British Columbia, and I had the privilege and honour of collaborating with institutions...
Long-term vision
Most of the issues we face cannot be resolved in just a few days or months, which is why we must start now by adopting a long-term approach...
Tangible outcomes
As the old saying goes, a reputation takes month, even years to build. But through steady and determined work, we were able to “reap what we had sown,” to borrow a well-known expression...
My work experience
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Board of Directors and the CEO – Community Living BC – Since July 2022
Executive Assistant – BCAA – April 2014 – August 2022
Project Coordinator / Executive Services – BCLC, Government of British Columbia – December 2012 – March 2014
International Coordinator / Executive Services– Canadian Tourism Commission – June 2006 – May 2012
Merchandising and Marketing Manager – MAST Industries & Southern Textiles Limited – January 1999 – March 2004 – Mauritius
Administrative and Planning Manager – Ferney Spinning Mills – January 1988 – January 1999 – Mauritius
My Volunteer Experience
Board Member for Western Canada and the Territories – Centre de la francophonie des Amériques – Since April 2022
Board of Directors Member – COPA National (Centre for Prevention and Orientation Against Abuse) – Since March 2021
President – La Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique – June 2015 to November 2021
President – Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique – Depuis Juin 2023
My Academic Background
Sprott-Shaw Community College – Diplôme avec mention en Gestion avancée des affaires et commerce électronique, spécialisation en administration, gestion, marketing et services de soutien connexes – 2004 – 2005
Vancouver Community College – Diplôme provincial d’instructeur en technologie éducative et pédagogique – 2008 – 2009
Marketing Research and Intelligence Association – Certificat en recherche marketing – 2008
British Columbia Institute of Technology – Certificat en gestion de projet – 2010
The Association of Business Executives (Royaume-Uni) – Diplôme en administration des affaires avancée – 2002 – 2003
My Awards and Honours
Board Member for Western Canada and the Territories – Centre de la francophonie des Amériques – Since April 2022
Board of Directors Member – COPA National (Centre for Prevention and Orientation Against Abuse) – Since March 2021
President – La Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique 2015-2021 – June 2015 to November 2021