18th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting)

NEWS RELEASE – PROGRESS IN SEVERAL SECTORS IMPORTANT FOR THE CANADIAN FRANCOPHONIE

Winnipeg, September 5, 2013 – The  ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie gathered in Winnipeg,  Manitoba, on September 4 and 5, 2013, for the 18th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian  Francophonie.  

The ministers discussed early  childhood development as a key factor for the vitality of culture, language and  identity in the Canadian Francophonie, hence the importance of governments continuing  their efforts in this area.

“The discussions on early  childhood development were extremely productive and opened the door for the future,”  said Greg Selinger, Manitoba Premier and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs.  “We will continue to work together to identify sectors for action that will enable  our communities to move forward in areas that are important to them.”

The ministers discussed the key transformations  made to the Canadian immigration system since 2006 and their effects on and opportunities  for the development of the Canadian Francophonie.  

In terms of economic development, the  ministers reflected upon the Pan-Canadian Forum on Economic Development in  the Canadian Francophonie held last fall in Gatineau, Quebec. At  the Forum’s conclusion, an action plan was tabled and an independent follow-up  committee will coordinate its implementation. The ministers look forward to  following the committee’s work.

Other important topics were also discussed by the ministers,  including the Government of Canada’s new strategy for official languages.

“The Roadmap for  Canada’s Official Languages 2013–2018 reaffirms our Government’s leadership and  firm commitment in support of our two official languages,” said the Honourable  Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “It is  important to work with our partners and to build on the achievements of recent  years in order to strengthen the vitality of minority Francophone communities  and celebrate French-Canadian language and culture across the country.”

Lastly,  the ministers used their meeting as an opportunity to discuss upcoming major  events that present opportunities for promoting the Francophonie’s contribution  to Canadian society, including:

       
  • the World Acadian  Congress in 2014 to be held in Acadia of the Lands and Forests, which includes  Madawaska (New Brunswick), and Témiscouata (Québec), as well as the northern  part of the State of Maine (United States);
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  • the 150th  anniversary of the Historic Charlottetown Conference in 2014 in Prince Edward  Island;
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  • the Pan American  and Parapan American Games in Toronto (Ontario) in 2015, a year that also coincides  with the commemoration of 400 years of French presence in Ontario;
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  • the 150th  anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017.

The next Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie will take place on
June 26 and 27, 2014, in Prince Edward Island.

The Ministerial Conferenceon the Canadian Francophonie, created in 1994, isthe only intergovernmental forumthat brings together theministers responsible for theCanadian Francophonie. The Conferenceworks for an opened, dynamic and  diverseFrancophoniethatcontributes to and participatesfully in the growthof Canadian society. Visit the website of the Ministerial Conference on the  Canadian Francophonie at www.cmfc-mccf.ca

Information:

Chantal Alarie
National  Coordinator
Ministerial Conference on the  Canadian Francophonie
506-292-3415
chantal.alarie@gnb.ca

Sally  Housser
Press  Secretary to Cabinet
Government  of Manitoba  
204-297-5693
sally.housser@leg.gov.mb.ca

Marisa  Monnin
Press Officer
Office of the Minister
of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca