Speeches
Opening of La Place de la Francophonie
Vancouver, British Columbia
February 11, 2010

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Good evening.

It is a pleasure to be here with you for the launch of activities at the Place de la Francophonie 2010.

From tonight on, throughout the Olympic Winter Games, la Place de la Francophonie will showcase the richness and diversity of Canada's French language and culture to the entire world.

All of Canada's French accents, from Acadia and Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and the North, and, tonight more particularly, from British Columbia, will be heard loud and clear on Granville Island.

Across the country, Francophones have created prosperous communities and welcoming environments.

They participate in the vitality of Canada in every sector, and their music, their songs and their creativity are an eloquent testament to the reality of French speaking Canadians.

Our two official languages are a valuable asset for all Canadians, and our French heritage is an essential part of our society. It will also be an essential part of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games: Canada's Games.


As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and as a British Columbian and a Francophile, I am proud that our Government has injected more than two million dollars in a project as original and creative as la Place de la Francophonie.

The biggest names in French Canadian music will be right here at la Place de la Francophonie, front and centre, offering audiences a rich blend of programming.

I encourage everyone, young and old, Francophones and Francophiles, residents and visitors from every corner of the province, the country and the world, to take advantage of the concerts, the festivities and the activities that will be offered during the Games.

Without any further delay, I would like to wish you an unforgettable Games. Enjoy the show!

Thank you.

© 2009 James Moore - All rights reserved
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