Joint statement on the appointment of Catherine Cano as administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie

March 26, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Tourism, Official Languages ​​and La Francophonie, and Nadine Girault, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:

“We are delighted with the appointment of Catherine Cano, a Québécoise, as administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to assist Louise Mushikiwabo, the OIF Secretary General.

“As number two at the OIF, the administrator will ensure the day-to-day management of the administrative and financial affairs of the organization as well as the implementation of the programming and decisions adopted by heads of state and government during summits of La Francophonie”, state both ministers.

“With her diverse management experience as well as her extensive knowledge of the media, parliamentary processes and international issues, Ms. Cano will be a valuable asset to the OIF and its members as the organization prepares to hold the Tunis Summit, in Tunisia, in 2020, which will mark its 50th anniversary. The appointment of Ms. Cano is a recognition of Canadian leadership in La Francophonie when it comes to promoting the values of democracy, transparency and human rights” adds Minister Joly.

"I am pleased to work with my Quebec counterpart, the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Nadine Girault, and highlight the excellent relations that our two governments maintain within the institutions of La Francophonie”, she added.

"I am very proud that Quebec is well represented at the highest levels of the OIF. A seasoned manager, Ms. Cano will be able to use her experience and expertise to further modernize the OIF’s governance, which is a priority for the governments of Quebec”, said Minister Girault.

"I would also like to emphasize my complicity with the new Secretary General of the OIF, with whom I exchanged and who offered me the assurance that the Government of Quebec now has direct access to the highest levels of the OIF”, said Minister Girault.

Quick facts

• Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and François Legault, Premier of Quebec, were both at the XVII Francophonie Summit in Yerevan, Armenia.