The aim of the project, initiated by the Société Radio-Canada (SRC-the French-language network of the CBC) and managed by Richelieu International, is to arrange for a train to cross the country and stop in major towns and cities where rail lines permit.

The train, referred to as "Le Grand train de la Francophonie" [the Francophone Express], will travel across Canada in the weeks leading up to the Summit. Activities will be organized at each stop to showcase the vitality of Canada's Francophone youth and make young people aware of the role French-speaking Canada plays in the international Francophone community.

The train will set out from Vancouver August 15 and stop in several major Canadian cities and towns, arriving in Moncton in time for the Summit. The SRC will broadcast its daily program 275-Allô/Ados live from each stop. The shows, which will air coast to coast, will be produced on site and involve young people from the local area.

Richelieu International will hold dinner meetings at each stop on the general theme of "the Canadian and international Francophone communities at the dawn of the new millenium". A Web site will allow people to "hop aboard" as the train makes it way across the country.

For more information about this event, please contact:
Radio-Canada
Richelieu International

Contact: Grégoire Pagé, délégué général
Telephone: 1-800-267-6525
Fax: (613) 742-6916
Web site: http://www.richelieu.org/index.html