Press release

12^th Francophonie Summit: Signing of a memorandum of understanding between Canada, Québec and New Brunswick

QUÉBEC, June 15, 2007 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, and Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, Québec’s Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie, today announced, in the presence of Léo-Paul Charest, representative of Hédard Albert, New Brunswick’s Minister of Human Resources and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, the signing of the memorandum of understanding on the organization, conduct and administrative and financial details of the 12^th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Countries Using French as a Common Language (PDF, 2 MB) [in French only].

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the governments of Canada, Québec and New Brunswick sets out the mandates of the summit’s newly created Executive Committee and Organization Secretariat, as well as the organizational details resulting from the agreement on the Francophonie Summit signed in January 2006 by the governments of Canada and Quebec.

“I am delighted at the outstanding joint effort between Ottawa, Québec City and Fredericton to make this next summit a success that will be a credit to all Canadians,” stated Minister Verner. “Moreover, this summit coincides with the 400^th anniversary of Québec City, cradle of the French fact in North America.”

“This agreement reflects our shared desire to guarantee the efficient conduct of the 12^th Francophonie Summit, ensure sound management of public funds and continue the excellent cooperation that has always prevailed between the delegations of Canada, Québec and New Brunswick within La Francophonie,” stated Minister Gagnon-Tremblay. “Holding the summit in Québec City will be an opportunity to highlight Québec’s leading role and dynamism in developing the international Francophonie.”

For Minister Albert, the signing of this agreement brings back fond memories of organizing the Moncton Summit in 1999. “The organization of the Québec City Summit and the signing of this tripartite agreement is an excellent opportunity to show, once again, the spirit of cooperation that exists between Canada, Québec and New Brunswick with regard to the international Francophonie,” he stated. “We make the most of what we have when we use our three players in this way.”

This MOU, written in close cooperation and consultation with the governments of Québec and New Brunswick, sets the Government of Canada’s contribution to the organization of the summit at $16 million. Other costs, such as security-related expenses, must be added to this, bringing Ottawa’s total contribution to nearly $57 million. For their part, the Government of Québec will contribute $16 million and the Government of New Brunswick will contribute $750,000.

Every two years, the Summit of La Francophonie brings together heads of state and government representing the member countries of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The next Summit is scheduled for Québec City from October 17 to October 19, 2008 and will serve to raise the city’s international profile during the 400^th anniversary festivities.