The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, today highlighted some examples of the vitality of the Francophone and Acadian community on International Francophonie Day. This date falls within the pan-Canadian celebration called Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, which runs throughout the month of March.
Minister Mitchelmore encouraged residents to participate in a number of community activities this month, including a Francophonie Folk Night at The Ship Pub in St. John’s, a flag-raising ceremony and concert in Corner Brook, a photo exhibit on the Port au Port peninsula and the Franco-Labradorian games in Labrador West.
International Francophonie Day (March 20) and Multiculturalism Week (March 17-23) coincide. Government has made Francophone immigration a priority in The Way Forward on Immigration, as evidenced by its recent support to the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador’s enhanced settlement and integration project for Francophone newcomers in all regions of the province.
Support for International Francophonie Day and Multiculturalism Week also delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economy and deliver better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The French language and culture form an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador society. Over the past few years, government has been making strides in improving the visibility and quantity of its online French content, including application forms, increasing the number of bilingual news releases, and supporting Francophone immigration initiatives. Our government is committed to working to improve how it serves the Francophone and Acadian community in its own language”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
Le ministre Mitchelmore rend hommage à la communauté francophone et acadienne de la province
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Learn more
Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador 
Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie
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Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
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