Sheila Copps Opens Expolangues 1997 in Paris
PARIS, January 29, 1997 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today officially opened Expolangues 1997, the 15th international modern language, culture and travel exhibition, to be held from January 29 to February 2 in Paris, France. Canada is the featured guest country at this year's exhibition."Expolangues is an ideal opportunity to promote Canadian expertise in educational and cultural products on foreign markets," stressed Minister Copps. "It is also an excellent forum to promote Canada as a tourist destination."
"Canada's linguistic duality and cultural diversity position us well in the context of this year's themes. The present Canadian generation is the most bilingual in our history, and one in five Canadians speak a language other than English and French," added Ms. Copps.
Some 25 businesses and institutions from across Canada will be participating at the Canadian booth under the theme, "Canada, the crossroads of the languages of the world," ensuring that it will be an exceptional experience for the 34,000 expected visitors.
These exhibitors, as well as Canadian experts, will demonstrate the world our vitality and expertise in language development in continuing education, educational television, computer-assisted translation and terminology, distance education, and linguistic policies and studies in Canada.
To promote Canada at Expolangues 1997, an Internet site has been set up, incooperation with Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, at the following address:
http://www.educ.sfu.ca/expo.
Information:
Julia Arnsby
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
BACKGROUNDER
EXPOLANGUES 1997
January 29 - February 2, 1997, Paris, France
Canada has been a participant at Expolangues, the most important European trade show for language- and tourism-related industries, since its inception in 1983. The three themes of the event are: language, culture and tourism.
Through the combined efforts of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian Embassy in Paris, Canada has been designated the "Guest Country of Honour" for 1997, the 15th anniversary edition of this trade show.
As host country at the 1997 Expolangues, Canada receives substantially more visibility than other participating countries (artistic shows, seminars, conferences). As a result, visitors to the exhibition will come away with an increased knowledge of Canada's artistic community, our expertise in teaching French and English as second languages, and our tourist attractions.
Approximately 34,000 visitors attended Expolangues in 1996. All age groups were represented, with those 35-44 comprising the greatest proportion. Administrators, teachers and students comprised the bulk of visitors at the show, i.e. 17,000 professionals. Ten percent of those in attendance were foreign visitors.
More than 20 countries, representing 50 languages, will occupy 300 stands at this year's event.
Sixteen firms from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec; five universities (Queen's and the universities of Calgary, Manitoba, Regina and Victoria); and five federal ministries (External Affairs, Canadian Heritage, Public Works and Governmental Services, Language Training Canada, International Development Research Centre) will comprise this year's Canadian delegation. Language schools, tour operators and software producers will be seeking continued or new trade opportunities at this show.
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