Education and Early Childhood Development
May 28, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Acting Minister of Education.

Minister Recognizes Provincial Francophonie Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize May 30 as Provincial Francophonie Day.

Mr. Speaker, since 1999, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been recognizing Francophonie Day in the province. Each year Francophones, Acadians, and their many friends and partners, including the Provincial Government, have come together to raise the Franco-Newfoundland and Labrador flag just outside the House of Assembly.

Once again this year a ceremony is organized by the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador to be held here tomorrow just outside the East Block of the Confederation Building. My colleague the MHA for the district of Port au Port, will attend the ceremony and join the Francophone community in raising their flag. There are also other ceremonies taking place around the province in areas such as the Port au Port Peninsula and in Labrador to mark this important day.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform you that an important milestone has also been reached by the Francophone community in St. John’s this year. The School and Community Centre des Grands-Vents is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This centre has become the heart of the Francophone community in the St. John’s area serving as a place where the Francophone community’s arts, heritage and culture truly come to life.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Office of French Services in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The office provides French language training, translation, linguistic support and community liaison services to government departments. It also provides a vital link between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Francophone and Acadian community in all regions of the province.

For their many accomplishments and their contributions to the historical, cultural, linguistic and economic fabric of our province, I ask all Honourable members to join me in congratulating the Francophone and Acadian community of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 05 28                              2:00 p.m.