SASKATCHEWAN PART OF NATIONAL DISCUSSION ON THE CANADIAN FRANCOPHONIE

Provincial Secretary and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs Wayne Elhard, along with other provincial and territorial ministers, concluded the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (MCCF) in Quebec City today.

The meeting focused on the federal government's Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality (2008-2013), the renewal of federal-provincial French-language agreements, the adoption of a renewed strategic plan and a detailed youth strategy.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with our Francophone partners to develop and deliver French-language services and programs that will not only benefit the Fransaskois community, but help us attract and retain newcomers and young people to Saskatchewan," Elhard said. "Other jurisdictions are also focused on collaboration with their Francophone communities and we have learned much from each other during this conference."

Minister Elhard lead discussions on the strategic plan and presented the Youth Strategy designed to actively engage Francophone youth in the development of policies and programs, to be concluded with a National Youth Forum to be held in 2009.

"Our young people will play a vital role as we continue to build our economic momentum," Elhard said. "We hope this will not only be an exercise that informs and influences a national plan, by and for youth, but will also be the basis of provincial and territorial initiatives in support of youth engagement across the country."

Saskatchewan has played a leadership role in the development of the Youth Strategy, adopted by the MCCF in 2007, and continues to chair the working group, comprised of representatives from the governments of Manitoba, Alberta, Quebec and from national and provincial youth organizations.

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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