The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize today as Provincial Francophonie Day. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has celebrated this occasion since 1999.

This morning, I was pleased to participate in a flag-raising event here at Confederation Building organized by the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador. I was honoured to join students from École des Grand-Vents, École Rocher-du-Nord and members of the community. Similar events are taking place elsewhere, in places like Port-au-Port and in Labrador.

Speaker, I have been working closely with the Francophone Federation on key issues as we identify ways for government to better serve the needs of our Francophone communities.

For example, the Office of French Services provided critical public health information in French in a timely fashion throughout the pandemic.

Just last week I joined the Minister of Education, as well as members of the Francophone community, to visit the new location for École Rocher-du-Nord. We aim to help them make this location a new hub of activity for the community.

Today, I ask all Honourable members to join me in congratulating the Francophone and Acadian communities of Newfoundland and Labrador on this, Provincial Francophonie Day.

Thank you.

Déclaration ministérielle – La ministre souligne la Journée de la francophonie provinciale