March 15, 2004No. 40Denis Coderre, President of the Queen's Privy Council and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, today announced that Abdou Diouf, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), will participate in celebrations in Montreal on March 17 and 18 marking the Journée internationale de la Francophonie."Canada is proud to host this year's official celebrations for the Journée internationale de la Francophonie," said Minister Coderre. "This is further recognition by our partners in the international Francophone community of our commitment within this organization. The celebrations were planned jointly with Quebec and New Brunswick, which is a first and attests to the close cooperation between the two levels of government."The Secretary-General will take part in a round table on the theme, "Create, Think and Inform: Networks and Exchanges within Francophone North America," which will be followed by an official ceremony attended by Prime Minister Paul Martin, Quebec Premier Jean Charest, and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord. Mr. Diouf will also take part in the international video conference on the 2004 meeting of business people of La Francophonie, organized by the Forum francophone des affaires business group, and the Prix Montfort awards evening. In addition, he will receive an honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary.- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:Sarah BainOffice of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie(613) 943-1838Media Relations OfficeDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade(613) 995-1874http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
