This policy uses a broad definition of the family, as follows:
Any combination of two or more persons who are bound together by ties of mutual consent, birth and/or adoption or placement and who, together, assume responsibilities for variant functions throughout their lives1.
This definition also includes people living on their own who may have family connections without necessarily living under the same roof.
1. The Vanier Institute of the Family, www.ivfamille.ca/about/about.html, October 7, 2004.e 2004.
On October 12, Ville de Gatineau officially launched its family policy around the theme of Towards an Ideal for Families.
The purpose of Gatineau's family policy is to establish a common framework for activities and decision-making aimed at benefiting families. Its goal is to help families by providing equitable and accessible services that will improve their quality of life.
The goal of the family policy is to clearly set out:
This policy stems from Gatineau's desire to share with its partners a common vision, one to which everyone will contribute in accordance with their mission and environment. It encourages them to foster their growth and improve their quality of life.
After all, by improving the lives of today's families, we prepare the future of tomorrow's.
The policy development process rallied a number of partners, the public, members of Council and municipal staff for more than two years. The needs and points of view expressed by the participants were heard and considered. This is the foundation on which the contents of this policy were built.
The Ville de Gatineau has identified two main orientations:
These will guide each of the axes of intervention, which, in turn, will specify the objectives that will be formulated and defined in the action plan.
Living in Gatineau already means enjoying a healthy living environment, close to many services, amidst dynamic individuals. The purpose of the axes of intervention that Gatineau sees for families is to improve the well-being of Gatineau families and design the city around the family.
On the heels of the adoption of its family policy and over the coming years, Gatineau will take concrete measures on behalf of families. Thus, not only will it promote the policy and related activities, but a three-year action plan focused on families will be developed, involving a number of local partners and municipal service officials, the idea being to work in partnership.
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 291,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.