News Release

MONCTON (CNB) – Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie have reaffirmed the benefits of intergovernmental collaboration to promote and reinforce the vitality of the Canadian Francophonie, and expressed their interest in increasing their collaboration with the federal government.

At the provincial-territorial meeting of the 16th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie, the ministers shared best practices in terms of services in French, demonstrating their respective commitment to meeting the needs of francophones and of all Canadians.

"Provincial and territorial governments, through their diverse experiences and perspectives, learn from one another for the benefit of francophones and of all Canadians," said Paul Robichaud, deputy premier, minister of economic development and minister responsible for La Francophonie. "My colleagues and I look forward to discussing stronger intergovernmental collaboration with our federal counterpart, James Moore."

In preparation for the renewal of service agreements, which are set to expire March 31, 2013; and midway through the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future; the ministers committed to offer their support and expertise to the federal government in developing its next action plan on official languages.

The ministers also discussed the diversity of situations existing in the Canadian Francophonie regarding the accessibility of French-language media. They noted the vital role that French-language media play, whatever their form, in building identity and enhancing the vitality of the Canadian Francophonie from coast to coast, and the importance of maintaining them.

Following discussions on the favourable circumstances for living in French in Canada, the ministers agreed to continue their efforts to improve access to services in French. They also emphasized that investment from the Government of Canada in official languages programs is an indispensable support for provincial and territorial initiatives aimed at further developing the Canadian Francophonie.

Created in 1994, the conference is the only intergovernmental forum bringing together the ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie. The conference works toward an open, dynamic and diverse Francophonie which contributes to, and fully participates in, the growth of Canadian society