February 27, 2012 - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), today in Ottawa took part in the launch of Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF) 2012, as part of La Francophonie Month.
“Rendez-vous de la Francophonie is an opportunity for francophones to enjoy cultural and social experiences together in their own language and to discuss the challenges of living in French where francophones are a minority,” said Minister Valcourt. “Canada has a wealth of French-speaking communities from coast to coast, and events such as this are essential to strengthening their representation within the Canadian and international Francophone communities.
“The French language is an integral part of our history. It is the symbol and the reflection of our cultural identity. Our culture and our language are continuously enriched by the achievements of our entrepreneurs, writers, visual artists, singers, actors, comedians, and the contributions of the francophones and francophiles who choose to work in their fields in French.”
The Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue (CFCCD) holds the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie every March, which is La Francophonie Month. The RVF includes hundreds of French-language cultural events and promotional activities in every region of Canada. More than 800 events will be held throughout Canada. This year’s line-up includes:
- screenings of films by Canadian francophones, presented by the National Film Board in some 60 Canadian cities and on the Internet;
- a business luncheon put on by the Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface [St. Boniface Francophone Chamber of Commerce] as part of the Festival du Voyageur;
- a production of Michel Tremblay’s play Les Belles-soeurs, staged in Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec; and
- a conference in Edmonton on the challenges faced by French-speaking immigrants in Western Canada.
The CFCCD works to promote and support dialogue and bring together francophone, Acadian and all other communities in Canada.
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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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