OTTAWA, November 9, 2007 -- The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, took the occasion of today's Conference of Ministers Responsible for TV5 in Lucerne, Switzerland, to reaffirm her support for the multilateral nature and the mission of TV5MONDE and TV5 Québec Canada.
"The Government of Canada believes that TV5MONDE is an important tool for promoting the values of the Francophonie throughout the world," said Minister Verner. "I would therefore like to take the occasion of this meeting to reiterate our Government's commitment to TV5MONDE and to remind all our partners that it is essential to preserve the channel's multilateral and pluralist nature."
Representatives of France, the French Community of Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and Quebec meet every two years at the Conference of Ministers Responsible for TV5. Switzerland has served as chair since 2006; Canada will replace it in 2008-2009. In light of the revamping of France's foreign audiovisual policy, Canada has stated again the importance it attaches to TV5 as an extraordinary communications tool for the Francophonie and for cultural diversity.
"By broadcasting high-quality programs worldwide, TV5 ensures recognition of French culture, while contributing to the vitality of French-speaking societies in Canada and abroad," said Minister Verner. "Without a doubt, TV5 is a vital resource for cooperation among Francophone governments and for the expression of cultural diversity internationally."
TV5 is the world's largest French-language television network. It broadcasts in more than 203 countries and reaches 181 million homes around the world. The network is managed by two operators: TV5MONDE and TV5 Québec Canada. Paris-based TV5MONDE manages signals for Europe, Africa, Asia, the United States, Latin America, and the Middle East. Montréal-based TV5 Québec Canada manages the signal for Canada.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
