August 21, 2014 - Edmundston, New Brunswick
Check Against Delivery
Mayor of Edmundston,
President of the WAC,
Dear Senator,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be with you today to take part in this economic summit, in conjunction with the 2014 World Acadian Congress.
Every five years for the past two decades, the World Acadian Congress has been a gathering place for Acadians and friends of Acadia.
The congress enables them to come together in proud celebration of their heritage and culture.
The Government of Canada’s support for the congress clearly demonstrates its commitment to communities, the arts and culture.
By providing this support, we participate in projects that also contribute to our economy.
This fifth World Acadian Congress is different because it is taking place in two countries at once, offering activities in two Canadian provinces and an American state.
Consequently, this is an exceptional opportunity to showcase Acadian communities to people from around the globe.
This is especially true for northwestern New Brunswick, Témiscouata in Quebec and Aroostook County in the state of Maine.
The World Acadian Congress generates particularly significant social, cultural and economic benefits for communities and the tourism industry in the region.
The congress is also an opportunity for other partners to strengthen existing economic relations or to establish new ties.
I am delighted to take this occasion to report on my recent activities regarding La Francophonie.
I have had several discussions lately about economic aspects of La Francophonie,
With members of French-language minority communities,
Canadian civil-society organizations and representatives of the private sector.
I am happy to be able to continue this discussion with representatives of the Acadian community,
Especially regarding your potential role in implementing the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie.
Heads of state and government gave a mandate for this decisive action at the Kinshasa Summit in 2012.
It is important to Canada for all Canadians, especially those from French-language minority communities, to participate in its activities within La Francophonie.
Dialogue with your communities is much needed to meet new challenges with a view to strengthening the economy of La Francophonie.
As Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, this is one of my priorities.
I want to strengthen the economic aspect of La Francophonie, with a view to the sustainable development of Francophone communities.
This is a vital ingredient for a strong, united and dynamic Francophonie.
Canada is therefore proud to have taken a lead role in developing the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie in recent months.
The Economic Strategy for La Francophonie will be adopted at the Francophone Summit to be held in Dakar in November 2014.
This summit will be particularly important since, in addition to the economic strategy, heads of state and government will adopt several documents establishing key directions for La Francophonie in the coming years.
These documents are the 2015–2022 strategic framework, 2015–2018 programming and the youth strategy.
During the Dakar Summit, Canada plans to address the theme of maternal, newborn and child health, as well as child, early and forced marriage.
These are two of Canada’s priorities with regard to foreign policy and international development.
The Dakar Summit will also be an opportunity to celebrate Secretary General Abdou Diouf’s legacy to La Francophonie as he concludes his third and final term as the organization’s head.
In this context, Canada wishes to ensure the best possible successor for the Secretary General.
Canada, Quebec and New Brunswick have therefore jointly nominated the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, formerly the Governor General of Canada and currently UNESCO special envoy for Haiti, to be Mr. Diof’s successor.
Under Secretary General Diouf’s guidance, La Francophonie has become a multilateral, modern, effective and relevant organization in the context of global governance.
I am certain that, if chosen, Madame Jean will continue to build on this significant legacy.
Madame Jean is indeed a well-known and highly respected personality in Canada and on the international stage.
She has solid experience in international affairs, development and management of major global issues.
As Governor General, she established constructive ties with heads of states worldwide, including those of La Francophonie.
She thus represents a Francophonie that is culturally modern and open to the world.
Canada and La Francophonie share a history and values to which we attach the utmost importance.
The values of democracy, respect for human rights and good governance.
These values are the pillars of La Francophone, the very reasons for its existence.
With the benefit of such a foundation, we must harness ourselves to the task of strengthening the economic aspect of La Francophonie.
As Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, it is my duty to determine what steps Canada will take toward this end.
I must ensure that key sectors of La Francophonie generate maximum benefits for people living in the countries of which it is composed.
Education and vocational training, the creation of an environment and governance conducive to development, support for small-scale and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship.
These are all means at our disposal to give La Francophonie the economic dimension it needs.
The 40th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, held in Ottawa on July 7, 2014, clearly illustrates the importance of developing a legislative framework conducive to maximum transparency, if we wish to achieve greater economic growth within La Francophonie.
Economic development is itself an ingredient that is essential to the unity of La Francophonie.
For example, sustainable economic growth is closely related to social and human development, and to poverty reduction.
This makes the World Acadian Congress, and the economic summit which is a component of the congress, all the more meaningful.
It offers an opportunity for useful discussions and productive networking among the business community, municipalities, and departments and agencies relating to the economy.
It is the focal point for Francophones from all walks of life, from across Canada and around the world.
It clearly demonstrates that economic progress achieved through member countries of La Francophonie has an impact far beyond its borders.
The World Acadian Congress clearly shows that this progress truly benefits Canadian and Acadian businesses and organizations.
Right here in Acadia, well-established local businesses contribute considerably to international economic development.
And this is having an impact not only on the economies of the countries involved, but also here, in Acadia.
Canada enjoys an enviable international reputation.
This means that opportunities come right to our doorstep.
Neither Canada nor Acadia must let them pass us by.
Let us therefore promote the economic strengthening and sustainable economic development of La Francophonie.
In so doing, we can create opportunities and also be in a position to take advantage of them.
To allow such a vision to become a reality for the good of all the peoples of La Francophonie, we must promote dialogue and the exchange of views.
We must promote the development of a prosperous La Francophonie, which would unequivocally achieve the genuine social and human development it needs to combat all forms of poverty effectively.
I therefore invite you to share your vision, with a view to a sustainable and prosperous economy for La Francophonie.
Thank you.
