Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
December 11, 2017
Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec: Renewed Momentum for the Francophonie
The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec signed a new agreement to foster greater cooperation. In addition, a statement on the Canadian Francophonie recognizes their joint commitment to ensure the sustainability of French in Canada.
The agreement will facilitate development projects for the Canadian Francophonie in the areas of culture, education, communications, immigration, early childhood, youth, French language resources, economic development, health, justice, status of women and tourism.
For the first time, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec will make a specific financial commitment – $92,000 each over the next five years, to advance this work. The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec have invested together more than $35,000 over the last two years to carry out promising developmental initiatives such as “Espace Franco 2017 – Folk festival” and “Québec cinema film festival 2017” to promote and disseminate the French language and culture in Canada.
In addition, the two ministers promise to meet at least once every two years to review and discuss developments with respect to the Canadian Francophonie, and the five-year priorities for action identified in cooperation with the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador.
Quotes
“Our government recognizes the Francophone and Acadian community’s contribution to the social, cultural, and economic development of the province. It also helps make more attractive Francophone communities, which is a goal of The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to renew this partnership with the Government of Québec by signing this agreement and statement on the Francophonie to help ensure our communities thrive well into the future.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
“I would like to congratulate the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its important gesture of inclusion towards the Canadian Francophonie. By working together to make French heard, the French language becomes more legitimate; it asserts itself and takes its place. This is a bonus for all Canadians. In our previous joint agreements, the two signatory governments decided upon priority actions. From now on, the community will participate in setting these priorities by bringing forward detailed knowledge of its actual needs. Thanks to this necessary expertise, the supported projects will make real improvements to those living in the Francophone community.”
Honourable Jean-Marc Fournier
Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
“We are delighted that Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec have renewed this agreement. For almost 10 years, this agreement has had a positive impact on our community development. Today’s renewal represents a step forward, allowing our Francophone organizations to strengthen collaboration and partnerships with Québec-based organizations in priority areas, and going forward there are budgetary commitments from both governments.”
Sophie Thibodeau
President of the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
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Version française: //www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/btcrd/1211n04_fr.aspx
Media contact
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Gabrielle Fallu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
418-646-5950
Gaël Corbineau
Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
709 722-0627
dg@fftnl.ca
2017 12 11 2:20 p.m.