News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – A development strategy between New Brunswick and France is being launched today as part of celebrations surrounding France’s national holiday.

With this new international strategy, the provincial government aims to strengthen its relations with France by implementing specific actions related to economic development and population growth in the province.

“It is wonderful to be able to join our French colleagues in celebrating their national holiday while also launching an international development strategy for the first time in more than 10 years,” said Glen Savoie, minister responsible for La Francophonie. “The special relationship that New Brunswick has enjoyed for many years with France has created advantages for our province in the sectors of education, tourism and culture. Our government is ready to build on these successes and attract investment in emerging sectors, such as cybersecurity, advanced technologies and clean technology, in which areas France is a global leader.”

France is the European Union country to which New Brunswick exports the most products, and has had diplomatic representation in the province since 1964 in the form of a consulate general with an office in Moncton. The new strategy was developed in collaboration with the consulate.

“This strategy ushers in a new phase in France-New Brunswick relations,” said Johan Schitterer, consul general of France in the Atlantic provinces. “It is the logical outcome of recent efforts by our country and Canada’s only bilingual province to strengthen our relationship in areas including the economy, education, science, universities and culture. It is also a source of great pride that inspires us to keep striving and finding creative new ways to achieve even greater results.”

Encompassing nine objectives, the New Brunswick–France Development Strategy establishes, among other things, key performance indicators to be achieved over the next five years in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, education and immigration; the recognition of credentials in priority professions; and the international promotion of Acadian artists. The implementation of each strategic action will be undertaken by the department responsible for achieving that particular objective.