Minister participates in Provincial Francophone Day celebrations

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs John Ottenheimer joined with the province�s Francophone community today to celebrate la Journ�e de la francophonie provinciale. This included participating in a ceremony to raise the Franco-Newfoundland and Labrador Flag which was designed and officially adopted in 1986.

"La Journ�e de la francophonie provinciale is a day to celebrate French language and culture and to recognize the tremendous contributions the francophone community makes to Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Ottenheimer. "It is most certainly a pleasure to take part in Francophone Day celebrations on behalf of Premier Williams and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador."

In 1999, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador passed an Order-in-Council declaring May 30 La journ�e provinciale de la francophonie, upholding a long tradition of the province�s Francophone community.

Today�s flag-raising ceremony, held at Confederation Building, was organized by La f�d�ration des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador and the Office of French Services, Public Service Secretariat. As in past years, representatives from both the provincial and federal governments brought greetings to the community. Performances were given by students from L��cole fran�aise de Saint-Jean and the choir La Rose des Vents of L�Association francophone de Saint-Jean.

In addition, members of the Intergovernmental Network of Officials responsible for la Francophonie canadienne from across the country attended the ceremony. This group facilitates the exchange of information and ideas relating to the Canadian francophonie among provincial, territorial and federal governments and supports the operations and activities of the Ministerial Conference on Francophone Affairs.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications: (709)729-6985, 691-6390

2006 05 30                                  12:00 noon