Francophones and Francophiles Together for a Stronger Canadian Francophonie

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - June 27, 2012) - Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie met in Edmonton, Alberta, for the 17^th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie, which focused on the theme: "Francophones and Francophiles: More Than a Language in Common!". The importance of the contribution of Francophiles to the development of the Canadian Francophonie was highlighted.

"Canadian Francophonie continues to diversify, contributing to building dynamic, welcoming and inclusive communities in Alberta and across Canada," said Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Alberta Minister of Culture responsible for the Francophone Secretariat. "The Francophonie is enriched by a diversity of cultures, and by the contribution of both Francophones and Francophiles."

"The Francophonie is an integral part of our country's history and identity and is strengthened by Francophiles in every part of our society," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "Our Government will continue to support our official languages and protect, celebrate and strengthen Canada's linguistic duality."

Catherine Clark, journalist and broadcaster, delivered the opening address and was accompanied by three Francophile panelists. Following the presentation, the discussions focused on opportunities to increase Francophiles' participation in, and their sense of belonging to, the Canadian Francophonie.

In a spirit of collaboration, federal, provincial and territorial ministers discussed their governments' perspectives on the federal strategy on official languages that will follow the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future.

With respect to economic development, Ministers reiterated that it has been a priority area for the Conference since 2009. To this end, the upcoming Pan Canadian Forum on Economic Development in Canadian Francophonie, to be held October 31, November 1 and 2, 2012, in Gatineau (Quebec), will enable a dialogue between government, not-for-profit and private sector stakeholders on this topic.

Finally, Ministers took stock of the francophone immigration file, one of the key sectors related to the Canadian Francophonie. They also discussed practices in French-language services in the provinces and territories.

The next conference will be held on June 18 and 19, 2013, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie, created in 1994, is the only intergovernmental forum that brings together the ministers responsible of the Canadian Francophonie. The Conference works for an opened, dynamic and diverse Francophonie that contributes to and participates fully in the growth of Canadian society

Information :

Visit the Ministerial Conférence on the Canadian Francophonie website at www.cmfc-mccf.ca.