Minister Joly in Paris to advance Canada’s tourism industry and highlight commitment to promote French language and culture around world
News release
September 18, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Tourism is an economic driver and creates good, middle-class jobs in every community, from coast to coast to coast. The Government of Canada is committed to unlocking the full economic potential of tourism for Canadians and to making the country’s French-speaking communities shine around the world.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, on her first international trip in the position, will be in Paris, France, on September 19 to 20, 2018, to meet with tourism stakeholders. They will discuss best practices and opportunities for the Canadian market to create economic growth and good jobs right across the country.
Leading up to the Summit of La Francophonie, taking place next month in Yerevan, Armenia, Minister Joly will meet with the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) community to highlight Canada’s strong and sustained commitment to promote the French language and culture around the world.
The Minister will also talk about the importance of media for La Francophonie in the digital age with Yves Bigot, Director General of TV5Monde, and his team.
Quotes
“Tourism is an important economic driver and supports nearly 2 million jobs in Canada. The tourism industry is booming on the international scene, and we want to make sure that Canadians have their fair share of the benefits. I am looking forward to discussing this important matter with key stakeholders as we are gearing up to develop a new federal tourism strategy that will benefit Canadian workers.”
“As the minister responsible for La Francophonie, it is my mandate to defend, strengthen and promote the use of French around the world, including in the digital sphere and within international organizations. I look forward to having important discussions with key stakeholders related to this file, including my first meeting with representatives of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, as we are preparing for the Francophonie summit in Armenia. La Francophonie is a community of solidarity and cooperation, one where many different cultures come together for peace, education, the protection of human rights, the promotion of democracy and sustainable economic development.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Quick facts
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In 2017, Canada had its best year ever for tourism, welcoming 20.8 million visitors from around the world.
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Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada's GDP. It is a major economic driver worth $97.45 billion.
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One in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy.
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Canada was a founding member of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation in 1970. In 2005, the Agency became the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
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Canada has four seats in the IOF. Canada, Canada-New Brunswick and Canada-Quebec are full members, and Canada-Ontario has observer status.
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The XVII Summit of La Francophonie will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 11 to 12, 2018.
Associated links
Contacts
Jeremy Ghio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Jeremy.ghio@canada.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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