June 15, 2007
No. 81
The Honourable Josée Verner, Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation and
Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, and Monique Gagnon-Tremblay,
Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for
La Francophonie, today announced, in the presence of Léo-Paul Charest,
representative of Hédard Albert, New Brunswick’s Minister of Human Resources and
Minister responsible for La Francophonie, the signing of the memorandum of
understanding on the organization, conduct and administrative and financial details of
the 12th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Countries Using French as a
Common Language.
This memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the governments of Canada,
Quebec and New Brunswick sets out the mandates of the summit’s newly created
Executive Committee and Organization Secretariat, as well as the organizational details
resulting from the agreement on the Francophonie Summit signed in January 2006 by
the governments of Canada and Quebec.
“I am delighted at the outstanding joint effort between Ottawa, Quebec City and
Fredericton to make this next summit a success that will be a credit to all Canadians,”
stated Minister Verner. “Moreover, this summit coincides with the 400th anniversary of
Quebec City, cradle of the French fact in North America.”
“This agreement reflects our shared desire to guarantee the efficient conduct of the
12th Francophonie Summit, ensure sound management of public funds and continue
the excellent cooperation that has always prevailed between the delegations of
Canada, Quebec and New Brunswick within La Francophonie,” stated
Minister Gagnon-Tremblay. “Holding the summit in Quebec City will be an opportunity to
highlight Quebec’s leading role and dynamism in developing the international
Francophonie.”
For Minister Albert, the signing of this agreement brings back fond memories of
organizing the Moncton Summit in 1999. “The organization of the Quebec City Summit
and the signing of this tripartite agreement is an excellent opportunity to show, once
again, the spirit of cooperation that exists between Canada, Quebec and
New Brunswick with regard to the international Francophonie,” he stated. “We make the
most of what we have when we use our three players in this way.”
This MOU, written in close cooperation and consultation with the governments of
Quebec and New Brunswick, sets the Government of Canada’s contribution to the
organization of the summit at $16 million. Other costs, such as security-related
expenses, must be added to this, bringing Ottawa’s total contribution to nearly
$57 million. For their part, the Government of Quebec will contribute $16 million and the
Government of New Brunswick will contribute $750,000.
Every two years, the Summit of La Francophonie brings together heads of state and
government representing the member countries of the International Organization of La
Francophonie (OIF). The next Summit is scheduled for Quebec City from
October 17 to October 19, 2008 and will serve to raise the city’s international profile
during the 400th anniversary festivities.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for
La Francophonie and Official Languages
819-956-0479
Pierre Bouillon
Press Attaché
Office of Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and Minister
Responsible for La Francophonie
418-649-2319
Gisèle Regimbal
Communications Director
Intergovernmental Affairs
Government of New Brunswick
506-444-4594
