Released on October 16, 2008
Two Saskatchewan cabinet ministers will join representatives from 68 French-speaking states and governments at the International Francophonie Summit in Quebec City this weekend.
Provincial Secretary and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs Wayne Elhard and Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris will represent the province as part of the Canadian delegation at the 12th summit to share the Saskatchewan story with Francophones from around the world.
"French language and culture have been a part of our identity, even before we became a province," Elhard said. "We are excited to have this opportunity to promote the vitality of our Francophone communities in our province and to develop important relationships with other French-speaking nations."
The 12th Francophonie Summit will take place from October 17 to 19 in Quebec City. The Summit takes place every two years to set out a broad agenda of co-operation for member nations of the International Organization of the Francophonie. Saskatchewan will take part in bilateral meetings with key representatives from other member nations with which we share areas of common strategic interest.
"Saskatchewan's diverse and growing economy has created huge opportunities for job seekers and businesses," Elhard said. "Our participation in this Summit will create more awareness about our province and the opportunities that Saskatchewan has to offer."
This will be the third Francophonie Summit to be held in Canada, the first having taken place in Quebec City in 1987 and the second in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 1999. The inaugral Summit was held in Paris in 1986.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca