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NEWS RELEASES

May 16, 1997 No. 88

MINISTER BOUDRIA TO CHAIR THE FIRST CONFÉRENCE

DES MINISTRES FRANCOPHONES CHARGÉS DES INFOROUTES

The Honourable Don Boudria, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie, will chair the first Conférence des Ministres francophones chargés des inforoutes, which will take place in Montreal, beginning on Monday, May 19, and ending on Wednesday, May 21.

"Canada is proud to host this first conference in Montreal. More than 800 representatives of la Francophonie from around the world are expected to attend," said Minister Boudria.

The Canadian government will give priority to three elements of the action plan that will be submitted at the conference: the democratization of access to the information highway, remote training programs, and the creation of a production assistance fund to facilitate the creation and flow of information.

"This conference provides la Francophonie with a unique opportunity to bring its members closer and thus to create a strong community through the possibilities for permanent interaction. The information highway is the way of the future for all of us, especially for youth. It is important that French be given a dynamic and proactive presence on it," added the Minister.

The official opening ceremony will be held at the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, and the sessions will take place at the Radisson Hotel.

The Canadian government is contributing $500 000, both directly and indirectly, to the conference.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jacques Lefebvre

Official Spokesperson

Office of the Minister for International Co-operation

and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie

(819) 997-0918

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca