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March 7, 2003
OTTAWA - Mauril Bélanger, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Chair of the Standing Committee on
Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of
Parliament for Westmount-Ville-Marie, today officially launched the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2003 in the Public Service of
Canada. This event is part of a series of activities that will take place across the public service from March 7 to 23 in support
of this year's Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.
"The Rendez-vous are a national celebration of the cultural and social vitality of Canada's French-speaking
communities," said Madame Robillard. "Our linguistic duality represents something truly noble in the Canadian heart. It
reflects our commitment to principles like openness, inclusiveness and mutual respect."
Speaking to the more than 500 guests assembled at the National Arts Centre, Mr. Bélanger said that the French language is a
common denominator linking Canadians to millions of francophones living in 55 countries around the world. "Francophone
Canadian artists, business leaders and athletes build bridges to other French-speaking countries. They forge special ties in
language and culture, in politics, economics, international cooperation and the transfer of technology."
The Member of Parliament concluded: "By taking pride in our French language and culture, by speaking it in the workplace
as often as possible with your colleagues and clients," he said. "You can do more to advance official bilingualism than
any policy or legislation. It is a matter of pride and attitude."
Other distinguished guests helped make the official launch of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie in the public service
a success. Roch Carrier, National Librarian of Canada, spoke of his personal journey as a writer. Paul Roux, the renowned
illustrator and cartoonist, closed the ceremony by unveiling a drawing inspired by the festivities. The participants were also
invited to a book-signing featuring local authors. The Masters of Ceremony were arts commentator Valérie Lessard and Radio-Canada
television host Normand Latour.
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To find out about activities related to the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2003 in your region, visit the Web site at:
http://rvf.ca/index.cfm?Repertoire_No=1541667603.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Grenier
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board of Canada
(613) 957-2666
Mario Baril
Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391
TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) - (613) 957-9090
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT, THE ELECTRONIC
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