The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec have renewed an agreement to support the Canadian Francophonie. It marks the first time both provinces made a specific financial commitment as a part of the agreement — $92,000 each over the next five years.
The agreement supports development projects for the Canadian Francophonie in a wide range of areas, such as education, health, economic development and immigration.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation Christopher Mitchelmore signed the agreement on behalf of the province.
“Our government recognizes the Francophone and Acadian community’s contribution to the social, cultural, and economic development of the province. It also helps make more attractive rrancophone communities, which is a goal of The Way Forward on immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said.
The agreement includes a promise by the two ministers to meet once every two years to discuss developments with respect to the Canadian Francophonie.
The renewed agreement was lauded by the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador.
“For almost 10 years, this agreement has had a positive impact on our community development,” said Fédération president Sophie Thibodeau. “Today’s renewal represents a step forward, allowing our Francophone organizations to strengthen collaboration and partnerships with Québec-based organizations in priority areas.”
In previous joint agreements, the two governments decided upon priority actions. With the renewed agreement, there is a shift in focus on greater community participation in decision-making.
“From now on, the community will participate in setting these priorities by bringing forward detailed knowledge of its actual needs. Thanks to this necessary expertise, the supported projects will make real improvements to those living in the francophone community,” said Jean-Marc Fournier, minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie,.
Recent projects with the previous agreement involved a joint expenditure of more than $35,000 to carry out initiatives such as the folk festival, Espace Franco 2017, and the Québec cinema film festival 2017.
