(No. 358 - November 30, 2011 - 9 a.m. ET)The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), has arrived in Paris to represent Canada at the 27th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) and the Conference of Ministers Responsible for TV5MONDE.
During his visit, Minister Valcourt will meet with Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Personal Representative of the French President to La Francophonie.
Each year, the CMF brings together the ministers responsible for La Francophonie or ministers of foreign affairs from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) member states and governments. The conference will give Canada and its partners the opportunity to discuss progress made over the past year, particularly with respect to modernizing the OIF.
On this occasion, Minister Valcourt will reiterate Canada’s support for the OIF’s political action and advocate for greater cooperation within La Francophonie in strengthening the rule of law and defending basic freedoms—including the freedom of religion—democracy and human rights. He also hopes to encourage the OIF to develop its economic potential.
On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Minister Valcourt will then take part in the Conference of Ministers Responsible for TV5MONDE, an organization to which the Government of Canada has contributed for almost 25 years.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Andréa Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie)
613-790-3637
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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