March 19, 2007
No. 42
The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for
La Francophonie and Official Languages, will chair a ceremony tomorrow to celebrate
the International Day of La Francophonie, attended by several hundred guests and
artists at the National Gallery of Canada, in Ottawa.
“This day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our attachment to diversity and the
richness of the French language and culture, as well as the values of peace, democracy
and respect for human rights, which unite the members of the International
Organization of La Francophonie,” said Minister Verner.
Canada is preparing to host the next Summit of La Francophonie, which will take place
in Quebec City in 2008. Canada and Quebec will co-host this 12th Conference of
Heads of State and Government Using French as a Common Language.
“The Quebec City Summit will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the founding of
Quebec City, which is of great importance for all Canadians, as it also marks the
founding of the Canadian state,” added Minister Verner.
A performance by Madrigaïa, a group of singers from Manitoba, will close the ceremony
at the National Gallery. This group of seven performers was formed in St. Boniface in
1999 and has won a number of national and international awards for the quality,
boldness and originality of its work. These musicians, dancers and actresses interpret
traditional works from their Francophone culture and songs from different countries.
“These artists are making a wonderful contribution by showcasing the vitality of
Canada’s Francophone communities,” Minister Verner concluded.
The International Organization of La Francophonie is made up of 68 participating states
and governments.
To learn more about the International Day of La Francophonie celebrations around the
world, please visit http://www.20mars.francophonie.org (French only).
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
