SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES FRANCOPHONE CULTURE

Provincial Secretary and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs Wayne Elhard proclaimed March 6-22 as Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2009 in Saskatchewan.

For these two weeks, Saskatchewan Francophones and French language speakers will join millions of others from all over the country to celebrate Canada's French culture and heritage. This year's theme, "Celebrate Canada's Francophonie Today - Rich in its Diversity" was chosen to highlight the legacy of Francophone immigration to Canada.

"I am proud to come from a province where we have a Francophone community that not only helps shape our cultural identity, but also contributes to the growth of our province," Elhard said. "I encourage everyone to reflect on the significant contributions of ‘la Francophonie' in Saskatchewan and to celebrate the diversity of our French speaking citizens."

Celebrations are held annually in March throughout Canada to promote French language and Francophone culture and to coincide with the International Day of La Francophonie on March 20. In Saskatchewan many activities will take place around the province. There are 9.5 million French-speakers in Canada and almost 50,000 in Saskatchewan.

To find out more about this year's Rendez-vous celebrations, visit www.rvf.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca