Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Provincial Francophonie Day, celebrated each year on May 30.
Today is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant Francophone and Acadian communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the important role they continue to play in our province’s cultural, social, and economic life.
This year is especially meaningful as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Franco-Newfoundland and Labrador flag – a powerful symbol of pride, resilience, and community. To celebrate, the flag will be raised at Confederation Building and flown for 40 days, honouring the generations who have carried this culture forward.
This celebration will continue tomorrow, as communities come together to mark Provincial Francophonie Day.
For more than 500 years, Francophones and Acadians have helped shape our province. Today, that legacy continues to grow, strengthened by new generations and Francophone newcomers who are choosing to build their lives here.
Our government remains committed to supporting that growth – through investments in French-language services and by working with partners to strengthen opportunities throughout our province.
I thank the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador and community partners for their continued leadership, and I invite all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take part in the celebrations.
Merci.