The Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie has marked its 30th anniversary.
Federal, provincial and territorial ministers gathered in Halifax, N.S., on Aug. 8 and 9.
It was held in conjunction with the World Acadian Congress taking place in southwestern Nova Scotia.
“By sharing best practices and inspiring initiatives in the area of French-language services, our members can maintain their collaborative momentum in delivering government programs and services in French,” said Nova Scotia’s Acadian Affairs and Francophonie Minister Colton LeBlanc, who is also co-chair of the council.
“Together, we continue to work to address the priorities of Acadian and francophone communities.”
Ministers agreed to study measures aimed at increasing the visibility of francophone content on digital platforms.
They also discussed several issues related to the vitality of francophone and Acadian minority communities,
That includes the shortage of bilingual workers, francophone immigration challenges, newcomer retention and the use of French in emergencies.
Ministers also took part in the council’s first Agora, an event bringing together more than 200 people from government, business associations, economic development agencies and other organizations working with francophone minority communities across the country.
Federal Official Languages Minister Rany Boissonnault, who is also the council’s co-chair, said the modernized Official Languages Action and the five-year action plan are a chance to strengthen ties and work together for the benefit of all francophone, francophile and franco-curious Canadians.
