Ministers agree to work together on francophone initiatives

Tom Lush, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and minister responsible for francophone affairs, joined federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister St�phane Dion and representatives from other provincial and territorial governments at the 2001 Ministerial Conference on Francophone Affairs. The 6th annual conference took place in Edmonton, Alberta on September 27 and 28.

"This year's conference saw a commitment from ministers responsible for francophone affairs to increase intergovernmental cooperation to support Francophone and Acadian communities across Canada," said Minister Lush. "Provincial and territorial ministers agreed that interprovincial/territorial collaboration in areas such as education, training, health services, culture and economic development could have a significant impact on Francophone and Acadian communities."

During federal, provincial and territorial discussions, the ministers agreed to encourage their colleagues to examine appropriate courses of action with respect to French language health services and economic development.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the Francophone and Acadian communities, enhancing the profile of the French fact within their respective jurisdictions and ensuring their continued development.

"It is extremely important that, as a government, we continue to promote and encourage the vitality of our Francophone communities," said Minister Lush. "Participating in the Ministerial Conference on Francophone Affairs helps us to achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing our Francophone and Acadian communities and how we can better assist them in meeting these challenges."

Minister Lush extended an invitation to his provincial, territorial and federal colleagues to join him in St. John's for the 2002 Ministerial Conference on Francophone Affairs.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2001 10 02                                 2:00 p.m.