Minister Joly to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to La Francophonie
News release
June 7, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, will highlight the richness of Canada’s commitment to La Francophonie as she welcomes Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, on her first visit to Canada since she took office.
On June 9, 2019, Minister Joly will be in Montréal, Quebec, to meet with Secretary General Mushikiwabo and participate in the opening of the Conference of Montreal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. On June 11 and 12, she will accompany the Secretary General to Canada’s capital to discover the diversity and dynamism of francophone communities, particularly those who are in a minority situation, and the extent of the ties that exist within La Francophonie internationally.
Several priority themes for Canada and the IOF will be discussed during this visit, such as education, strengthening women’s economic power and promoting the French language, particularly in the context of Canada’s linguistic duality. The Minister will highlight the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act with Secretary General Mushikiwabo at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. She will also mention the extensive pan-Canadian consultation exercise that the government has undertaken to modernize the Act.
Media representatives are invited to provide coverage of a dinner to be held in honour of Secretary General Mushikiwabo at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario, on Tuesday, June 11, at 8 p.m.
Quotes
“I am pleased to welcome the Secretary General of La Francophonie on Canadian soil and to accompany her in her discovery of the diversity, creativity and resilience of Canada’s francophone communities. The program of her visit to Canada will offer her the opportunity to meet Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Quick facts
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An active member and second-largest donor to the IOF, after France, Canada is a key actor in the implementation of the political, economic and cooperation mandates of La Francophonie, as well as a leader in the ongoing process of empowering the institutions of La Francophonie with the tools they need to allow them to achieve more progress in the areas of efficiency and transparency and to show better results.
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Canada contributes to the outreach of La Francophonie and francophone communities in Canada.
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The Conference of Montreal is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise the knowledge and awareness of issues concerning economic globalization, with a focus on relations between the Americas and other continents. The conference brings together 200 speakers and more than 4,200 people from around the world every year.
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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