NS Now an Observer Member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
Nova Scotia is now an observer member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) following a decision on Saturday, October 5, at the 19th Francophonie Summit in France.
“Nova Scotia has a strong Acadian and francophone heritage and has been home to the French language for more than 400 years,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie. “We are proud to join the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and I look forward to working with members to develop new partnerships and promote common priorities.”
Nova Scotia’s observer status provides opportunities to co-operate in culture, education, economic development and other sectors, and reflects the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the French language and identity.
The OIF represents 321 million French speakers in countries and regions around the world.
Quick Facts
- 35,000 Nova Scotians identify French as a first language, and more than 100,000 Nova Scotians speak French
- the OIF, founded in 1970, promotes multilateral co-operation that benefits French-speaking people and respects cultural and linguistic diversity and humanist values
- the OIF has 56 full members, five associate members and 32 observers
- the Francophonie Summit brings together French-speaking countries every two years
- Canada, Quebec and New Brunswick are full voting members; Ontario is an observer member
Source: Provincial Release
Photo: Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, is pictured with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, at the 19th Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts, France, on Saturday, October 5. (Acadian Affairs and Francophonie)
