QUÉBEC CITY, March 15, 2008 - Approximately 170 Francophones and Francophiles from more than 60 countries took part in 15th edition of the Dictée des Amériques, thanks in part to support from the Government of Canada.
On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Sylvie Boucher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Status of Women, will take part today in the announcement of the winners of the 2008 Dictée des Amériques.
This year's competition is part of celebrations for the 400th anniversary of Québec City. The Government of Canada provided $15,000 in funding to assist with the organization of the event.
"The Dictée des Amériques gives Canadians an excellent opportunity to show their language skills and meet other Francophones and Francophiles who, like them, feel a special attachment to the French language," said Minister Verner. "The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, which we are celebrating throughout 2008, reminds us that French is the founding language of Canada."
"The Government of Canada is proud to make it possible for Francophiles and Francophones from official-language minority communities all across the country to participate in the Dictée des Amériques," said Ms. Boucher. "The government is taking part in Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations with the aim of giving this historic event a higher profile nationally and internationally."
The Government of Canada provided this funding under the Enhancement of Official Languages Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program aims to promote a better understanding or appreciation of linguistic duality and to build stronger linguistic and cultural links among members of the two official-language communities.
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
