ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FRANCOPHONE AFFAIRS APPOINTED

Provincial Secretary and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs Wayne Elhard announced the appointment of eight members to the new Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs today.

"The knowledge and experience of these individuals will not only benefit our Francophone community, but everyone in Saskatchewan," Elhard said. "Their expertise will ensure that our programs and services contribute to the growth of our province by enabling our Francophone communities to fully contribute to our economy."

The Committee will work with representatives from different Francophone communities and provincial ministries, to provide advice to the government and assist with the implementation of Saskatchewan's French-Language Services Policy. The result will be better access to services, such as French forms and material for immigration and early childhood programs. Providing services in French allows the government to meet the needs of the people of Saskatchewan while attracting French newcomers to our province.

"It is an honour to be working with such reputable representatives of the fransaskois community," committee chair René Carpentier said. "I look forward to sharing the collective experience and insight of the committee members and the Francophone community at large. Together we will identify the best path forward to support and celebrate la francophonie in Saskatchewan."

The Committee replaces the Francophone Community French-Language Services Liaison Committee (or Joint Liaison Committee) which was created in 1999 as part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on French-language services. They will have their first meeting in the following months.

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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