12th Ministerial Conference on Canadian Francophonie – Provincial-Territorial Meeting

For immediate release
September 12, 2007

Provinces and Territories Committed to Promoting the Canadian Francophonie
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie are asking the Federal Government to develop a new plan on official languages and to renew the agreements on French-language services.

Gathered in Halifax for the 12th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie, the Provincial and Territorial Ministers have expressed their desire to work together towards the development and implementation of the next plan on official languages. They also reiterated their commitment to quality French-language services, and proposed an approach for the negotiation of the French-language services agreements with the Federal Government. They also recognized the importance of community radio as a means of communication and tool for the development of the Canadian Francophonie.

“The work done during the Provincial and Territorial meeting will ensure the necessary cooperation for the development of the next generation of agreements. The population is counting on quality French-language services, and it is our duty to ensure that it has access to such services," said the Conference host, Mr. Chris d'Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Minister of Acadian Affairs. “This level of partnership between governments has strengthened Canada’s Francophonie as well as its sense of identity and has resulted in an increase of French –language services across the country”.

The Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie aims to build a stronger relationship between the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments in order to enhance French-language services for citizens and to strengthen the Canadian Francophonie.

- 30 -

Information:

Jennifer Bourque (contact person for Nova Scotia)
Office of Acadian Affairs
Phone: 902-424-8549
bourquja@gov.ns.ca

Chantal Alarie
Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie
Phone: 306-933-6355
calarie@gr.gov.sk.ca